Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of Isaac Satlet, a 22-year-old Nigerian who worked as an e-hailing driver in Pretoria, South Africa. She described the incident as unacceptable and deeply distressing.
In a statement released in Abuja, Dabiri-Erewa appealed to South African authorities to ensure the prompt arrest and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the crime. She highlighted that the persistent violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa are a source of considerable worry.
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged the historical and diplomatic connections between Nigeria and South Africa, noting their shared past in the struggle against apartheid. However, she expressed disappointment that these strong ties have not proven effective in preventing repeated assaults on Nigerian citizens.
"Justice must not only be served, but it must also be demonstrably seen to be served," she emphasized, calling on South African officials to guarantee the safety and security of foreign nationals.
She further stated that NiDCOM would enhance its rapid response mechanisms and establish more structured procedures for escalating diaspora-related emergencies. Additionally, the Commission plans to intensify risk assessments and deepen collaboration with host country authorities to improve the safety of Nigerians living abroad.
Reports from South Africa indicate that police have apprehended a female suspect in connection with the murder, which took place on February 11, 2026, in Pretoria West. The suspect is slated to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16 to face charges of car hijacking and murder.
Authorities are reportedly still searching for a male suspect in connection with the incident. Police investigations, reportedly aided by dashcam footage, are ongoing.
The victim had reportedly picked up two passengers, a man and a woman, through an e-hailing app before he was attacked and his vehicle was stolen. His body and the commandeered vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville.
This killing has sparked widespread anger among Nigerians both within South Africa and in their home country, fueling renewed demands for enhanced safety measures for e-hailing drivers who frequently face perilous working conditions.
Isaac Satlet was described by those who knew him as a diligent and ambitious young man who was scheduled to graduate next month and had aspirations for further studies overseas.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated Nigeria's respect for South Africa's sovereignty while firmly asserting that the safety and protection of Nigerians abroad are non- negotiable issues.
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