Abike Dabiri Erewa
Olayiwola Mercy
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has strongly condemned the killing of 22-year-old Nigerian e-hailing driver, Isaac Satlet, in Pretoria, South Africa. NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the incident as “deeply troubling and unacceptable” and demanded justice for the victim. A female suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder, and authorities are still searching for the male suspect.
The killing has sparked widespread outrage within the Nigerian community in South Africa, with calls for improved safety measures for e-hailing drivers. Satlet’s family has pleaded for help in repatriating his body to Nigeria, and a fundraising campaign has been set up to support them.
According to reports, Satlet was killed on February 11, 2026, after picking up passengers who had requested his service through an e-hailing app. The suspects, a male and female duo, hijacked his car, and his body was later found in Atteridgeville. Dashcam footage captured part of the incident, leading to the swift arrest of the female suspect.
The female suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on February 16, 2026, facing charges of car hijacking and murder. NiDCOM has urged South African authorities to guarantee the protection of lives and property of foreign nationals and to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the crime.
Satlet, a student nearing graduation, had plans to pursue further studies in Canada. His death has been described as “devastating” by friends and family, who remember him as hardworking and ambitious.
The killing has raised concerns about the safety of Nigerian migrants and African foreign nationals living in South Africa, where violent attacks and xenophobic incidents have been reported in the past. NiDCOM has reiterated its commitment to strengthening rapid response protocols and institutionalizing structured escalation mechanisms for handling diaspora-related emergencies.
The incident has also highlighted the need for improved cooperation between South Africa and Nigeria on migration and security issues. NiDCOM has called for improved documentation, safety awareness, and collaboration between diaspora groups and local law enforcement agencies.
