Additional Coverage:
Beninese Activist Kemi Seba Arrested in South Africa Amid Extradition Efforts
JOHANNESBURG – South African authorities have detained prominent Beninese activist Kemi Seba, whose birth name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, on charges related to conspiracy and immigration violations. The arrest took place during a police operation in Pretoria, where Seba was apprehended alongside his son. A third individual connected to the case is also in custody.
Police confirmed with assistance from Interpol that Seba, 45, is a wanted fugitive in Benin, facing allegations tied to crimes against the state. The charges in South Africa include conspiracy to commit a crime and involvement in facilitating illegal migration to Europe through Zimbabwe. Authorities allege the third accomplice paid approximately R250,000 (about $15,000) to enable these movements.
The trio appeared before the Brooklyn magistrates’ court on Wednesday, with proceedings adjourned until April 20. Seba remains in police custody as South African officials prepare for his extradition to Benin.
The arrest follows an international warrant issued by Benin last December, accusing Seba of “incitement to rebellion” after he publicly supported a failed coup attempt against President Patrice Talon. In a widely circulated video, Seba hailed the coup attempt as a “day of liberation” and praised the soldiers involved as “patriotic.”
Known for his outspoken stance, Seba has voiced support for recent military takeovers in West Africa and has aligned with pro-Russian sentiments expressed by coup leaders in the region. He has also been a vocal critic of France, Benin’s former colonial power, condemning its ongoing economic and political influence. Notably, Seba’s French citizenship was revoked earlier this year in 2024.