Pretoria, South Africa — South African law enforcement has apprehended Kemi Seba, a well-known pan-African activist, as Benin moves to secure his extradition on coup-related charges. Seba, who has a significant social media presence and is known for his anti-Western stance, is sought by Benin for his alleged role in supporting a coup attempt that took place in December.
The activist was taken into custody in Pretoria, along with his 18-year-old son and a South African national, who are accused of attempting to cross into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River, with intentions to proceed to Europe. Seba, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, faces charges in Benin including inciting rebellion and threatening state security.
The arrest warrant for Seba was issued by Benin authorities in December 2025.
The incident unfolded at a shopping center in Pretoria, and he currently remains in custody, with a court date set for April 20. South African police have confirmed the arrest and the initiation of the extradition process. While the details of the South African national’s involvement in the case have not been disclosed, official statements suggest that the arrest was part of an effort to prevent the trio from crossing into Zimbabwe.
No official statements from Benin authorities or from regional bodies such as the African Union have been released regarding the extradition efforts. Seba, a vocal critic of France and African governments aligned with Paris, leads the NGO “Urgences panafricanistes “and has publicly supported military regimes in the Sahel. His lawyer, Juan Branco, has decried the case as politically motivated.
The case has sparked concerns over political repression and regional tensions in West Africa. Seba’s arrest adds to the ongoing discourse on political repression and the complexities of political activism in Africa.
As Benin prepares to secure his extradition, the fate of the activist remains a subject of international interest and speculation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
