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SAPS Rejects Nigeria’s Claim That Officers Killed Nigerian in Custody

The dispute risks straining ties as Nigeria presses for evidence and action.

An anti-immigrant demonstrator throws a bottle at a building as items which the demonstrators say belong to foreign nationals burn on the street during an anti-immigrant demonstration, in Johannesburg, South Africa, June 30, 2026. REUTERS/Oupa Nkosi/File Photo
Nigeria has condemned SA’s ’apartheid-style’ policing following the disputed deaths of its citizens in custody, warning of possible repercussions. (Tori-Nigeria-xenokillings)
The South African Police Service (Saps) has rejected claims linking a Nigerian detainee’s death to anti-illegal immigration sentiments. Picture: Saps
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Overview

  • On 28 June, police say Emeka Charles Iroegbu died shortly after a Tshwane drugs team arrested him in Pretoria when he collapsed while being taken into custody.
  • SAPS says drugs were found at the scene, a possession case and an inquest were opened, and the seized drugs were booked into police evidence storage.
  • The death was reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, a postmortem was held, and investigators are awaiting results as probes continue.
  • Nigeria has accused South African officers of killing Iroegbu during interrogation and says a second Nigerian, Nnaemeka Mathew Andrew Ekpenyong, was also unlawfully killed; SAPS has not substantively addressed the second allegation.
  • The case has heightened diplomatic tension after weeks of anti-migrant protests that included attacks on foreign nationals and large deportations, and rights groups say migrants are being scapegoated.