South African court rejects Kemi Seba's immunity claim, clearing a path to extradition
The activist, wanted in Benin after backing a failed coup, said he was a diplomat for Niger. The court found no evidence he was ever accredited in South Africa.
PANM — A South African court has rejected the claim of the activist Kemi Seba that he is protected by diplomatic immunity, removing his main defence against extradition to Benin, Africanews reports.
Seba, a prominent and polarising online campaigner, was arrested in South Africa in April for overstaying a three-month visitor's visa. He was detained with his teenage son and a South African man on immigration charges.
His lawyers argued that he held diplomatic status as a representative of the government of Niger. The court found no evidence that he had been accredited as a diplomat to South Africa.
Wanted over a failed coup
Benin issued an international arrest warrant for Seba on 12 December last year, after an attempted coup in which mutinous soldiers claimed to have overthrown President Patrice Talon. The attempt failed. Seba had voiced support for it, and Benin wants him returned to face charges.
This report is based on reporting by Africanews.
