FG Slams “Complicit” South African Police After Brutal Extra-Judicial Murder Of Two Nigerians.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation regarding the recent murders of two Nigerian nationals in South Africa, demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into both incidents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first victim, Emeka Charles Iroegbu, was allegedly killed by Tshwane Metro Police officers in Sunnyside, Pretoria, on June 28, 2026, during what the ministry termed “gruesome interrogation techniques.”

• The Nigerian government further alleged that the same group of officers was responsible for the extra-judicial killing of another Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, on April 20, 2026. Despite the identities of the four officers being known to the South African Police Service (SAPS), no arrests have been made in either case.

• A second Nigerian victim, Musa Yunana Joe (also known as Big Joe), was shot and killed by unidentified individuals in front of his shop in Witbank, Mpumalanga, also on June 28, 2026.

• Nigeria views these killings as part of a disturbing pattern of violence against foreigners in South Africa, suggesting complicity on the part of security forces—particularly the Tshwane Metro Police—which raises questions regarding state responsibility under international law.

• The statement criticized the South African government for deflecting its own socio-economic challenges onto foreign nationals, specifically condemning recent “derogatory and unprofessional” public statements made by a South African government spokesperson suggesting Nigerians leaving the country were hiding illegal drugs. Nigeria labeled these remarks as hate speech that incites violence.

• Furthermore, Nigeria intends to hold the leadership of groups such as “March on March” and “Operation Dudula” accountable for inciting hatred and violence against fellow Africans.

• The Federal Government is calling on South African authorities to act without delay to bring the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to justice through lawful processes, emphasizing that all individuals must be presumed innocent and granted a fair hearing.

• While expressing sympathy for the grieving families and continuing high-level diplomatic engagement, the Nigerian government has placed South Africa on notice. It warned that if this trend of “apartheid-style behaviour” and intolerance persists, “all options remain on the table” to protect Nigerian citizens.

• In the interim, the Nigerian community in South Africa is urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious, avoid volatile areas, and relocate to safer neighborhoods. The government also noted that the evacuation of registered Nigerians from South Africa is ongoing.