Anti-Western activist Kemi Seba told a Pretoria court on Monday he feared for his life if sent back to Benin, where he is wanted over a foiled coup plot.

The firebrand influencer, whose real name is Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, appeared at a bail hearing alongside his teenage son and a South African man. The trio have been in custody since last month for breaching immigration laws.

Seba (45) said he had not returned to Benin since May 2024, citing fears for his life and political persecution under the current administration.

“I have a well-founded fear, not only perceived, but real that my life would be in danger if I were to return to Benin under its current administration,” his lawyer, Bill Kobras, read from an affidavit in court.

The activist said this was why he had overstayed his South African visitor permit, which expired in late February. He confirmed his intention to seek asylum, with an application filed with the Department of Home Affairs on 28 April.

“My overstay should be considered within the asylum protection framework and not merely as an immigration contravention,” he said.

Wanted for coup support

Benin issued an international warrant for Seba’s arrest on 12 December after he supported a foiled coup in which mutinous soldiers claimed on television to have overthrown President Patrice Talon.

After the failed uprising on 7 December, the activist posted a video declaring it was a “day of liberation”. The coup was swiftly put down by the military.

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Who is Kemi Seba?

Born in France to parents from Benin, Seba has built a following of around 1.5 million on social media as an anti-Western influencer.

A prominent critic of France’s role in West Africa’s political, economic and military affairs, he has increasingly aligned himself with Russia, portraying Moscow as a counterweight to Western influence in the Sahel.

The activist lost his French citizenship in 2024 and holds a diplomatic passport issued by Niger’s ruling junta, which took power in a 2023 coup.

Niger had offered to provide him accommodation in South Africa if he were granted bail, he said.

The case was postponed to 19 May for final arguments and bail decision, with the trio remaining in police custody.

ALSO READ: Pro-Russian activist Kemi Seba seeks asylum in South Africa after arrest