A South African court has postponed the bail hearing of anti‑Western and pan‑African activist Kemi Seba, meaning he will remain in detention pending further proceedings. The postponement follows a similar adjournment of his hearing on Wednesday.
Seba is wanted in Benin on charges of inciting rebellion after he publicly supported a failed coup attempt in December 2023. He was arrested in early April in South Africa during an undercover police operation that also detained his 18‑year‑old son.
His legal team has rejected the allegations, describing them as exaggerated. Attorney Sinen Mnguni said the state is creating an “atmosphere” that portrays Seba as dangerous, even though he is not charged with any violent crime. “The affidavits are quite thick for an immigration charge,” Mnguni added, suggesting the accusations are being used to justify his detention.
Seba has applied for political asylum in South Africa. His lawyer expressed confidence that the case can be resolved favorably. “The reason the date is the 11 May is purely because the State prosecutor is in High Court on another trial tomorrow. But we are confident – even given the allegations – that we have a strong defence, a strong case for bail, and that our client has applied for asylum,” the attorney said.
The bail hearing, now set for 11 May, will determine whether Seba can be released while his asylum claim proceeds. The outcome could have broader implications for activists facing politically motivated charges in the region, as well as for South Africa’s handling of asylum applications linked to alleged security threats.
International observers have noted that Seba’s case reflects ongoing tensions between governments in West Africa and outspoken critics of Western influence. Benin’s authorities have labelled him a conspirator, while human‑rights groups caution that the charges may be used to silence dissent.
The next court date will test the strength of the defence’s arguments and the South African judiciary’s approach to politically sensitive extradition requests. Until then, Seba remains in custody, and his asylum request remains under review.
