Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa Amid Extradition Efforts
Wanted Activist Apprehended in Pretoria
Kemi Seba, also known as Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested on Monday in Pretoria alongside his 18-year-old son. South African police stated he was allegedly attempting to flee to Europe via Zimbabwe. A “facilitator” reportedly paid to aid their illegal border crossing was also detained.
Seba, 45, is a vocal critic of French influence in Africa and an advocate for West African military regimes. Authorities have also accused him of disseminating Russian propaganda. “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the father [Seba] is allegedly a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for criminal activities relating to crimes against the state,” South Africa’s police confirmed.
Legal Proceedings and Extradition
The individuals remain in police custody following a court appearance on Wednesday, with the case adjourned until 20 April. Plans for Seba’s extradition to Benin are reportedly under way. He has not publicly addressed the allegations.
Benin, a former French colony, issued an international arrest warrant for Seba after he posted a video supporting the attempted coup on 7 December, which was thwarted within hours with assistance from Nigeria and France. Seba, who heads the Pan-Africanist Emergency NGO, was stripped of his French citizenship in 2024 and subsequently granted a Niger diplomatic passport, designating him a “special adviser” to the junta leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani.
