Tuesday, April 7, 2026 - Authorities in South Africa have deported three Nigerian nationals after denying them entry over what officials described as “insulting” social media posts about the country's government.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 5, 2026 at O. R.
Tambo International Airport.
One of the deported travellers, a media personality
identified as Yemi (@YemiFirstson) claimed in a series of posts that he and
others had been “unlawfully detained” despite holding valid visas and travel
documents.
Yemi alleged that the officials singled them out, seized a
phone, and initially refused their request to arrange an immediate return
flight.
He added that he felt unsafe and called for their prompt
repatriation.
South African immigration authorities confirmed the
development in a statement titled “Decisive Enforcement of Immigration
Laws" and gave the reasons for their refusal of entry.
"In your specific case, prior online posts containing
insulting remarks about the South African government had already placed you on
the authorities’ watchlist. Your inability to adequately explain or
substantiate those statements during processing further aggravated the
situation,” the statement read in parts.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
(NIDCOM) also confirmed the development, stating the affected nationals
were expected back in Lagos on Monday morning.
The commission advised Nigerian travellers to apply for
visas through official channels or licensed agents, personally verify all
application details, and carry supporting documentation when travelling.
It also cautioned against the impact of online activity on
immigration decisions.
“The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) is pleased to
announce that the three Nigerian nationals who were stranded at a South African
airport have been cleared and have departed South Africa. They are expected to
arrive in Lagos tomorrow morning,” the statement read.
"While we welcome their safe return, NIDCOM notes with
concern the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident.
"The core issue in many such cases stems from the
over-reliance on unregulated visa agents. These agents often collect
applicants’ passport data pages and complete sections of the visa application
particularly on purpose of visit, itinerary, accommodation, and ties to Nigeria
without the full knowledge or approval of the travellers.
"Consequently, many applicants are unable to defend the
information provided when questioned during immigration interviews, resulting
in entry refusal.
"In this particular case, one of the individuals had
previously posted insulting remarks about the South African government online.
This had already placed him on their watchlist.
"When confronted at the port of entry, he was unable to
defend or substantiate those statements, which further aggravated the
situation.
"NIDCOM’s Advisory to All Nigerian Travellers:1. Apply
for visas directly or through only licensed and verifiable agents. Never allow
any third party to fill sections of your application without your full review
and approval.
"2. Ensure every detail submitted is accurate and that
you can personally explain and defend it during any immigration interview.
"3. Be mindful of your digital footprint. Immigration
authorities, routinely conduct social media checks. Derogatory or inflammatory
posts [about other countries or your home country] can lead to secondary
screening or visa denial.
"5. Always travel with genuine, well-documented reasons
for your visit and carry all necessary supporting evidence.
"NIDCOM will continue to monitor the situation and
engage the relevant South African authorities to prevent recurrence of such
incidents.
"We strongly urge all Nigerians planning international
travel to exercise due diligence. Responsible preparation protects not only the
individual but also Nigeria’s reputation.
“NIDCOM thanks the Nigerian high commission in South Africa
for their prompt intervention and will continue to follow up with the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerian high commission in South.”
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