Nigeria demands urgent probes into deaths of Emeka Iroegbu and Musa ‘Big Joe’ Joe, cites pattern of xenophobic violence
The Federal Government has warned South Africa that it will consider tougher measures if attacks on Nigerians in the country persist, following the killing of two Nigerian nationals on June 28, 2026.
In strong statements issued on Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg, and the Nigerian Union South Africa, Abuja condemned the deaths and called for immediate, transparent investigations.
According to government accounts, Iroegbu was allegedly tortured to death by officers of the Tshwane Metro Police in Sunnyside, Pretoria. The Ministry said he was killed “using gruesome interrogation techniques.
Both killings have intensified concerns over the safety of Nigerians in South Africa and fears of a resurgence of xenophobic violence.
In a statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the pattern of attacks is “disturbing” and unacceptable.
“We wish to place the Government of South Africa on notice that if the situation continues to persist, all options remain on the table, some of which will be activated if the uncultured and provocative trend of intolerance and apartheid-style behaviour of South Africa against foreigners is not addressed,” the ministry stated.
The government linked the latest case to an earlier one involving the same Tshwane Metro Police unit. On April 20, 2026, Nigerian Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong was allegedly killed extrajudicially by the same officers. The ministry said no arrests have been made in that case, “even though the four officers involved are known to the South African Police Service.”
Accusations of Targeting and Hate Speech
Abuja also accused some South African security operatives, particularly Tshwane Metro Police officers, of complicity in the attacks against Nigerians.
The ministry said the killings come at a time when foreigners are being “unduly targeted,” warning against attempts to stereotype Nigerians as criminals. “This raises questions about a deliberate attempt by some elements to wrongfully generalise and tag well-meaning, hard-working, and respectable Nigerians as criminals,” it stated.
The government further condemned remarks allegedly made by a South African government spokesperson, who reportedly challenged Nigerians leaving the country over xenophobic protests to reveal where illegal drugs were hidden.
“The unguarded public statements are unacceptable and are strongly condemned. Such derogatory, unprofessional and uncensored generalised public statements by highly placed government officials constitute hate speech that influences and incites negative and criminal actions against members of the Nigerian community,” the ministry said
“The Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the South African authorities to conduct urgent investigations into the two killings and several other pending cases of extrajudicial killings of Nigerian nationals in South Africa, and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes are brought to justice without further delay,” the ministry stated.
The government said it would continue engaging South African authorities “at the highest levels” until justice is achieved, while also sympathising with the families of the deceased.
Advisory to Nigerians in South Africa
The ministry and diaspora groups urged Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm and vigilant.
The Nigerian Consul General in Johannesburg, Amb. Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, confirmed the circumstances of both deaths and reiterated the call for investigations.
The Nigerian Union South Africa, through spokesperson Akindele Olunloyo, said it is working with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg to monitor the situation.
“In light of these tragic killings, we urge all Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant. Please exercise extreme caution in your daily activities, know your surroundings, and report any suspicious activities to the local police,” the union said.
The Federal Government advised Nigerians to relocate to safer areas and avoid locations prone to violence amid ongoing xenophobic and Afrophobic demonstrations. It also cautioned against retaliatory actions, saying it will pursue dialogue “in the spirit of African unity, brotherhood and solidarity
The latest deaths have reignited concerns about xenophobia in South Africa, where periodic attacks on foreign nationals have strained diplomatic ties with Nigeria in the past. With the government now invoking “all options,” the situation is likely to feature prominently in bilateral engagements in the coming weeks.
