Kemi Seba tells court he fears death if deported to Benin

A Pretoria court heard on Tuesday that anti-Western activist Kemi Seba believes he will be killed if South Africa sends him back to Benin. Seba is wanted there for allegedly supporting a failed coup plot.

Seba is asking to be released on bail after being arrested last month for overstaying his South African visa. He was detained along with his teenage son and a South African man.

His lawyer, Bill Kobras, read from an affidavit in which Seba said he has not returned to Benin since May 2024 because he has a “well‑founded fear” for his life under the current government.

Benin issued an international warrant for Seba’s arrest on December 12. Authorities accuse him of backing mutinous soldiers who announced on television that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon.

Seba argues that his visa violation should be seen as part of his asylum request rather than a separate immigration crime. He filed for asylum on April 28.

Kobras told the court that Seba needs to register his biometric data at a refugee centre, but has been unable to do so because he is in custody. He said Seba would comply within 24 hours if granted bail.

Niger’s junta, which gave Seba a diplomatic passport after he lost his French citizenship in 2024, has offered to provide him housing in South Africa if he is released.

Seba has 1.5 million online followers and is known for strongly criticising France’s political and military role in West Africa. In recent years, he has sided with Russia, presenting Moscow as a balance to Western powers in the Sahel.

The court postponed the case to May 19 for final arguments and a bail decision. Seba, his son and the South African co-accused will remain in police custody until then.

SOURCE: AFP