Kemi Seba tells South African court he fears for his life if returned to Benin

Kemi Seba told a South African court on May 11 that he fears for his life if he is returned to Benin, adding a new layer to the activist’s detention and extradition fight in Pretoria.

Reporting from South African and AFP-syndicated outlets said Seba made the claim through his lawyer during a bail hearing, where he is challenging continued detention in South Africa.

The court fight

Seba was arrested in Pretoria in April and has remained in detention while the case unfolds. Benin wants him extradited over allegations linked to a failed coup plot, according to reporting cited by AP and other outlets.

His lawyers have argued that he faces danger if sent back and that he has sought asylum in South Africa.

What Benin says

Benin’s authorities have been pressing the extradition case since late 2025, when an arrest warrant was issued, according to the reporting reviewed. Benin’s special prosecutor has also publicly commented on the matter and signaled that extradition steps were being pursued.

The hearing on May 11 turned the dispute into a direct argument over what would happen to Seba if he were returned.

What happens next

The next step will depend on how South African courts handle the detention and any extradition-related proceedings. The reporting reviewed does not indicate a final ruling yet.

For now, the case remains a live legal and political dispute involving South Africa, Benin and one of West Africa’s more prominent activist figures.