South African police say they have arrested prominent pan-African and pro-Russian activist Kemi Seba, who is wanted by authorities in Benin for backing an attempted coup in that country, and have launched extradition proceedings.
Benin issued an arrest warrant for Seba in December 2025 for “inciting rebellion” after he publicly supported an attempted coup that was later foiled.
The 45‑year‑old Beninese citizen was arrested at a shopping centre in Pretoria, Gauteng, along with his 18‑year‑old son and a South African national, according to a police statement.
Seba has mostly been underground and much less on social media since the failed coup.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the father is alleged to be a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for criminal activities relating to crimes against the state,” reads the statement from the police.
Vocal critic of French military influence
Seba, born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi in France to Beninese parents, is an activist who has had his French nationality revoked.
He is a vocal critic of French political, economic, and military influence in West Africa and has adopted a strongly pro‑Russian stance, portraying Moscow as a counterweight to Western influence in the West African Sahel region.
South African police alleged Seba and his son were being assisted by a South African who they said had been paid about R250 000 to help them cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with the intention of proceeding to Europe.
Police also confiscated cellphones and approximately R318 000.
Seba was appointed adviser to Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military government, after the Sahel state expelled French and other Western forces and deepened security ties with Russia.
Seba, his son, and the South African citizen were remanded in custody until April 20, the South African police statement said.
- South African police arrested Kemi Seba, a prominent pan-African and pro-Russian activist wanted by Benin for backing a failed coup.
- Benin issued an arrest warrant in December 2025 for Seba accusing him of "inciting rebellion."
- Seba, a Beninese citizen born in France who lost his French nationality, is known for opposing French influence in West Africa and supporting Russian involvement.
- Authorities allege Seba, his son, and a South African accomplice were attempting to flee to Europe via Zimbabwe, confiscating cash and phones.
- Seba was an adviser to Niger's military leader after their pivot from French to Russian alliances; all three detainees are held until April 20 pending extradition.
Benin issued an arrest warrant for Seba in
Seba has mostly been underground and much less on social media since the failed coup.
"Preliminary investigations have revealed that the father is alleged to be a wanted fugitive in France and Benin for criminal activities relating to crimes against the state," reads the statement from the police.
Seba, born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi in France to Beninese parents, is an activist who has had his French nationality revoked.
He is a vocal critic of French political, economic, and military influence in West Africa and has adopted a strongly pro‑Russian stance, portraying Moscow as a counterweight to Western influence in the West African Sahel region.
Police also confiscated cellphones and approximately R318 000.
Seba was appointed adviser to Abdourahamane Tchiani, leader of Niger's military government, after the Sahel state expelled French and other Western forces and deepened security ties with Russia.
Seba, his son, and the
