Benin seeks extradition of activist Kemi Seba from South Africa

Benin’s special prosecutor said Monday he is preparing an extradition request for pan-African activist Kemi Seba, who was arrested by South African police in Pretoria on April 13.

Seba, 45, appeared briefly in a Pretoria court on Monday alongside his 18-year-old son and a South African national. He will remain in custody until a bail hearing set for April 29.

A source close to Seba told AFP that the activist had been living in South Africa for about five months and had overstayed his visa by roughly two months.

Benin’s special prosecutor, Elonmario Metonou, said in a statement that he is “currently preparing” an extradition request. He added that political authorities are only involved in ensuring the diplomatic transmission of requests.

One of Seba’s lawyers said an application for political asylum had been filed in South Africa. However, a message on Seba’s X account denied this. Juan Branco, an adviser to Seba, told journalists that no asylum request has been filed.

Prosecutors asked the court for a postponement to investigate the authenticity of Seba’s diplomatic passport, issued by Niger’s junta, his residency status, and alleged money laundering.

Benin issued an international warrant for Seba’s arrest on December 12 after he supported a foiled coup attempt.

SOURCE: AFP