South African police have arrested prominent pan-African and pro-Russian activist Kemi Seba in Pretoria after Benin issued a warrant for his arrest over his alleged role in backing a failed coup attempt in the West African nation.
Seba, 45, was picked up at a shopping centre in Pretoria on Wednesday along with his 18-year-old son and a South African national. Extradition proceedings have since been launched.
Benin issued the arrest warrant in December 2025, charging Seba with “inciting rebellion” after he publicly supported an attempted coup that was later foiled by authorities in the country.
South African police said in a statement that preliminary investigations pointed to a wider fugitive status for Seba. “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,” the statement read.
Police further alleged that Seba and his son were being assisted by the South African national, who had allegedly been paid approximately 250,000 rand ($15,300) to help them cross the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with the intention of eventually making their way to Europe. Investigators also confiscated cellphones and approximately 318,000 rand during the arrest.
Seba, who was born Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi in France to Beninese parents, had his French nationality revoked. He built his profile as a fierce critic of French political, economic and military influence across West Africa, while adopting a strongly pro-Russian stance and portraying Moscow as a counterweight to Western influence in the Sahel region.
He was appointed as an adviser to Abdourahamane Tchiani, the leader of Niger’s military government, after the Sahel state expelled French and other Western forces and deepened its security ties with Russia.
Seba had largely stayed out of public view and reduced his social media activity since the failed coup in Benin. He could not be reached for comment.
Seba, his son and the South African national were remanded in custody until April 20.
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