Falana Urges FG To Sue South Africa Over Killings Of Nigerians

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to take legal action against South Africa over the alleged killings and mistreatment of Nigerians, saying diplomatic protests have failed to secure justice.

Falana’s demand followed the reported killing of Nigerian cleric, Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle, in Johannesburg on September 4.

According to him, Fakunle was shot dead by unknown gunmen at his residence after reportedly receiving threats.

The human rights lawyer said another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, died less than 24 hours later following an alleged interrogation by officers of the South African Police Service.

Citing comments attributed to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, Falana said eight Nigerians had allegedly been killed in South Africa in 2026, including four reportedly killed by security personnel.

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He further claimed that more than 100 Nigerians had lost their lives in South Africa between 2022 and 2026, with over 30 allegedly killed by members of the South African Police Service and South African Defence Force.

Falana said despite repeated complaints by Nigeria, there had been no arrests, prosecutions or convictions over the alleged killings.

He urged the Federal Government to institute an interstate case against South Africa at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, citing the Court’s ruling over the assassination of Burkinabe journalist Norbert Zongo.

He also referenced the ECOWAS Court’s decision in the Apo Six case, where Nigeria was held responsible for human rights violations linked to the killing and ill-treatment of citizens.

Falana said the cases established that states could incur responsibility for failing to properly investigate violations of the right to life.

He urged Nigeria to invoke available regional legal mechanisms, establish a coordinated monitoring system and seek justice and compensation for victims and their families.