South Africa Raises ‘Igbo King’, Crime and Xenophobia Concerns in Abuja Talks
South African International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola raised concerns with Nigerian officials in Abuja over the alleged installation of an unrecognised “Igbo King” in the Eastern Cape, organised crime allegations and hijacked properties linked to some foreign nationals. The meeting followed tensions over immigration and xenophobic violence. Lamola delivered a message from President Cyril Ramaphosa to President Bola Tinubu and led South Africa’s delegation in bilateral talks. South Africa said more than 500 Nigerian nationals had passed through its criminal justice system as of July 7, 2026. Nigerian officials stressed due process, fair trials and humane treatment for detainees, while acknowledging that offenders should be held accountable. Both countries condemned xenophobia and vigilante attacks, agreeing to use diplomatic and security cooperation to address migration, crime and public-safety concerns.
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