South African police arrested prominent anti-Western activist Kemi Seba on Monday at a shopping centre in Pretoria, confirming on Thursday that the Pan-Africanist leader is wanted in both Benin and France on charges relating to crimes against the state. Seba, whose legal name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, was taken into custody alongside his 18-year-old son and a third individual allegedly paid to facilitate their illegal entry into neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Coup Support Triggers International Arrest Warrant
The arrest follows a December 7 coup attempt in Benin in which mutinous soldiers briefly claimed on national television to have overthrown President Patrice Talon. The attempt was suppressed within hours by the Beninese military, with support from Nigeria and France. In the immediate aftermath, Seba posted a video online declaring it "the day of liberation" for Benin. Authorities in Cotonou responded by issuing an international arrest warrant on December 12, citing "justifying crimes against state security and inciting rebellion." Approximately 30 individuals, most of them soldiers, were subsequently jailed in connection with the failed putsch.
Extradition Process Under Way
South African police confirmed that extradition proceedings are ongoing and that Seba and his son remain in custody. The case was postponed until April 20. Investigators established that the man enlisted to guide the pair across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe had been paid approximately 250,000 South African rand, equivalent to around 13,000 euros. From Zimbabwe, Seba reportedly intended to travel onward to Europe.
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