Controversial pan-African activist and outspoken anti-Western figure Kemi Seba will remain in detention in South Africa after a court postponed his bail hearing, prolonging a case that has drawn regional attention.
Seba, who is wanted in Benin on allegations of inciting rebellion, was arrested earlier this month alongside his 18-year-old son during an undercover police operation. Authorities in Benin accuse him of backing a failed coup attempt in December—claims his legal team has firmly rejected.
The bail hearing, initially scheduled for this week, has now been moved to May 11. According to Seba’s lawyer, Sinen Mnguni, the postponement was due to the state prosecutor being engaged in another matter before the High Court.
Mnguni dismissed the charges against his client as exaggerated, arguing that the state is deliberately portraying Seba as a dangerous figure without sufficient grounds.
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“There’s an atmosphere being created about how dangerous the man is,” Mnguni said. “Yet he is not being charged with any level of dangerous or violent crime. The affidavits are quite thick for what is essentially an immigration-related matter.”
Despite the seriousness of the allegations from Benin, the defense maintains confidence in its case. Mnguni indicated that Seba has a strong legal argument for bail and emphasized that his client has already applied for political asylum in South Africa.
“We are confident that we have a strong defense and a solid case for bail,” he added.
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Seba’s asylum application could complicate any potential extradition proceedings, as South African authorities will need to assess whether he faces political persecution if returned to Benin.
The case is expected to resume on May 11, when the court will consider Seba’s bail application and possibly set the tone for the next phase of legal proceedings.
Until then, the activist remains in custody, as legal and political tensions surrounding his arrest continue to unfold.
