Activist Kemi Seba’s prospects of facing legal proceedings in Benin have moved closer after a South African court rejected his claim of diplomatic immunity.
Seba, through his lawyers, had argued that he was representing the government of Niger when he was arrested in South Africa for allegedly overstaying his visa.
However, the court ruled that there was no evidence that Seba had been formally accredited as a diplomat to South Africa.
The decision removes a key argument his legal team had relied upon to challenge the South African proceedings and potentially prevent his extradition.
Seba is wanted in Benin in connection with an alleged foiled coup attempt. Beninese authorities reportedly issued an international arrest warrant for him on December 12 after he expressed support for the attempted coup, during which mutinous soldiers appeared on television claiming to have overthrown President Patrice Talon.
The activist was arrested in South Africa last month alongside his teenage son and a South African man over alleged immigration violations after reportedly remaining in the country beyond the validity of his three-month visitor visa.
The latest court ruling does not itself constitute an extradition order, but it could clear a legal obstacle in any further proceedings concerning Seba’s status and a possible transfer to Benin.
Further legal proceedings are expected to determine the next steps in the case.
