A Nigerian social media user, identified as Just Yemi, has alleged that he and three others were unlawfully detained at an airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, despite having valid travel documents.
In a series of posts shared on X (formerly Twitter), the user claimed that they were singled out by airport authorities without any clear explanation, even though their papers and visas were reportedly in order.
He further alleged that one of the individuals had their phone confiscated and was unable to contact anyone, adding that officials were also attempting to seize his own device.
The user expressed fears over their safety, stating that they were being held against their will and denied the option of returning to Nigeria.
“They said they will detain us for no reason until God knows when,” he wrote, while calling on relevant authorities to intervene.
In subsequent updates, he said he had requested to be allowed to book a return flight but was allegedly refused by officials.
“At this moment, I don’t feel safe here anymore. I just want to go back to my country on the next available flight,” he added.
The posts, which have begun to gain traction online, included appeals to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other public figures for urgent assistance.
Some South Africans reacting to his posts quoted a 2024 tweet Yemi made, referring to South African women as having big backsides and the people being xenophobic.
They asked him what he was looking for in their country that he derided online.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from South African authorities regarding the allegations.
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