DABIRI-EREWA SLAMS KILLING OF NIGERIAN IN SOUTH AFRICA, CALLS FOR SWIFT JUSTICE

Abuja, Nigeria | February 16, 2026

The Chairman/CEO of the (NIDCOM), , has strongly condemned the killing of a 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in , South Africa, describing the incident as deeply troubling and unacceptable.

In a statement e-signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, mnipr, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa expressed grave concern over what she described as the increasing rate of criminality and killings of Nigerians in South Africa. She said the recurring incidents demand urgent attention and decisive action from relevant authorities.

Dabiri-Erewa noted that Nigeria and South Africa have historically shared strong diplomatic and cultural ties as African brothers, questioning why “evil-minded individuals” would perpetrate such heinous crimes against fellow Africans.

She called on South African authorities to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the brutal murder and to guarantee the safety and protection of lives and property of Nigerians and other non-indigenes residing in the country.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, in Pretoria West, when Satlet, who worked as an e-hailing driver, reportedly picked up passengers through a ride-hailing platform. According to police reports, he was attacked by a male and female pair who subsequently hijacked his vehicle.
Satlet’s body and the stolen vehicle were later discovered in Atteridgeville. Dashcam footage capturing part of the incident aided law enforcement authorities in the swift arrest of a female suspect. She is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, on charges of car hijacking and murder. Authorities are still searching for the male suspect, with further arrests anticipated.

The tragic killing has sparked widespread outrage within Nigerian communities both at home and abroad, with renewed calls for enhanced safety measures and stronger protections for e-hailing drivers operating in South Africa.

Satlet, described by friends and family as hardworking and ambitious, was a student set to graduate next month. He had reportedly made plans to further his education in Canada before his life was tragically cut short.

Dabiri-Erewa extended her condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that NIDCOM would continue to monitor the case closely to ensure justice is served.