The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Dabiri-Erewa called on South African authorities to ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of all those responsible. She expressed concern over recurring violent and criminal attacks targeting Nigerians in South Africa, noting that such incidents continue to generate anxiety within the diaspora community.
The NiDCOM chief recalled the longstanding diplomatic and historical ties between Nigeria and South Africa, rooted in solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle. She, however, lamented that despite this shared history, violent crimes against fellow Africans persist.
Dabiri-Erewa urged South African authorities to guarantee the protection of lives and property of foreign nationals, stressing that justice must not only be served but be seen to be served in the case.
She reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening rapid response protocols and institutionalising structured escalation mechanisms for handling diaspora-related emergencies. According to her, NiDCOM will intensify risk mapping strategies and deepen engagement with host authorities to enhance the safety of Nigerians abroad.
Meanwhile, South African police have reportedly arrested a female suspect in connection with the killing, which occurred on February 11, 2026, in Pretoria West. The suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, on charges of car hijacking and murder.
Police reports indicated that the victim had picked up two passengers — a male and a female — through an e-hailing platform before he was attacked and his vehicle hijacked. His body and the stolen car were later discovered in Atteridgeville.
Dashcam footage reportedly captured part of the incident and aided the swift arrest of the female suspect, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the male suspect.
The incident has sparked outrage within the Nigerian community both in South Africa and at home, renewing calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers operating in high-risk environments.
Satlet, described by associates as diligent and ambitious, was reportedly a student preparing to graduate next month and had plans to pursue further studies in Canada.
Over the past decade, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa have faced periodic strain due to xenophobic attacks and criminal incidents involving foreign nationals. Both countries have convened bilateral meetings and joint commissions to address migration, security cooperation and the protection of citizens.
NiDCOM, established to engage and protect Nigerians in the diaspora, has consistently advocated structured frameworks with host countries to ensure swift responses to emergencies involving Nigerian nationals abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed that while Nigeria respects South Africa’s sovereignty, the safety and protection of its citizens overseas remain a priority.
