Falana Calls for Legal Action Against South Africa

On September 14, 2026, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to initiate legal proceedings against South Africa due to the alleged killings and mistreatment of Nigerians. This appeal followed the reported murder of Nigerian cleric Bishop Michael Taiwo Fakunle in Johannesburg on September 4, 2026, and the death of another Nigerian, James Uchechukwu Nwankwo, shortly thereafter, allegedly after interrogation by the South African Police Service.

Falana noted that these incidents raised the total number of Nigerians reportedly killed in South Africa in 2026 to eight, with four deaths allegedly linked to South African security personnel. He claimed over 100 Nigerians had been killed in South Africa from 2022 to 2026, including more than 30 involving South African security forces.

Falana emphasized the Nigerian government's responsibility to protect its citizens and pursue justice for violations of their rights abroad. He urged the government to file a case against South Africa at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, referencing previous rulings that held states accountable for failing to investigate serious violations.