The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has strongly condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa, describing the incident as deeply troubling and unacceptable.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, 15 February, 2026, Dabiri-Erewa called on South African authorities to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the crime. She said the recurring cases of violence and criminal attacks against Nigerians living in South Africa have become a serious source of concern.
The NiDCOM boss noted that Nigeria and South Africa share a long history of diplomatic, economic and historical ties, rooted in solidarity during the anti-apartheid struggle, however expressing disappointment that despite this relationship, some individuals continue to perpetrate violent crimes against fellow Africans.
Dabiri-Erewa urged South African authorities to guarantee the protection of lives and property of non-indigenes, stressing that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done in the case of the murdered driver.
She reiterated the Commission’s resolve to strengthen rapid response protocols and institutionalise structured escalation mechanisms for handling diaspora-related emergencies. According to her, NiDCOM will intensify risk mapping strategies and deepen structured engagement with host authorities to improve the safety of Nigerians abroad.
Meanwhile, South African police have reportedly arrested a female suspect in connection with the brutal murder of Satlet, 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 indicate that Satlet 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 played a crucial role in the swift arrest of the female suspect. Authorities are still searching for the male suspect, with further arrests anticipated.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage within the Nigerian community in South Africa and back home, with renewed calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers who often operate in high-risk environments.
Satlet, described by friends and associates as hardworking and ambitious, was a student preparing to graduate next month. He had reportedly planned to pursue further studies in Canada, making his death even more devastating for his family and loved ones.
Over the past decade, diplomatic relations between Nigeria and South Africa have occasionally come under strain due to recurring xenophobic attacks and criminal incidents involving foreign nationals, including Nigerians. Several bilateral meetings and joint commissions have been convened to address concerns over citizens’ safety and promote cooperation on migration and security issues.
NiDCOM, established to engage and protect Nigerians in the diaspora, has repeatedly advocated structured frameworks with host countries to respond swiftly to emergencies affecting Nigerian nationals abroad. The Commission has also called for improved documentation, safety awareness, and collaboration between diaspora groups and local law enforcement agencies.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed that while Nigeria respects the sovereignty of South Africa, the safety and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad remain non-negotiable.
