Kemi Seba arrested in South Africa, faces extradition to Benin for alleged state security crimes

Kemi Seba, also known as Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was arrested in South Africa and is subject to extradition proceedings. Benin has issued an arrest warrant for Seba, pursuing him for "apology of crimes against state security and incitement to rebellion." Beninese authorities also accuse him of supporting a coup attempt in December. Seba, a prominent pan-Africanist activist with 1.5 million social media followers, was apprehended on Monday in a Pretoria shopping center with his son and a facilitator. The facilitator reportedly received 250,000 rands approximately 13,000 euros to arrange their passage. South African police allege presumed acts of facilitating illegal entry into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River, stating the father-son duo intended to travel to Europe after passing through Zimbabwe. Their court appearance has been postponed to April 20, 2026, and they remain in provisional detention. Seba, who was born Franco-Beninese but stripped of his French nationality in 2024, leads the NGO "Urgences panafricanistes." He is known for his strong anti-France stance and opposition to certain African leaders aligned with Paris, and has expressed support for military regimes in the Sahel region. The ruling junta in Niger has granted him a diplomatic passport.