By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
RETURN ARRANGEMENTS have been secured for three Nigerian citizens denied entry into South Africa despite holding valid visas and complete documentation.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Federal Government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the individuals were held at Johannesburg airport after being intercepted by South African immigration officials.
An official statement dated April 5, 2026, said the travellers were flagged during screening, with investigations linking the denial of entry to social media conduct and discrepancies in visa applications.
One of the travellers had been placed on a watchlist over previous derogatory remarks made online about the South African government and was unable to defend the statements during a port of entry interview.
The development followed claims by a person tagged “Just Yemi” who alleged that he and three other Nigerians were unlawfully detained at the airport despite valid documentation, restricted from using their phones and denied the option to book return flights.
Meanwhile, the NIDCOM also confirmed that the three citizens have been cleared and have departed South Africa, with arrival in Lagos expected on Monday.
“The 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.”
“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.”
The commission also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding their detention and advised Nigerians travelling abroad to adhere to international travel protocols and remain mindful of their digital conduct.
NIDCOM also warned against reliance on unregulated visa agents, noting that incomplete knowledge of submitted visa applications could hinder travellers during immigration interviews and lead to denial of entry.
The commission urged applicants to use licensed and verifiable agents, review all information before submission, ensure all details can be explained during interviews, travel with genuine reasons and supporting documentation, and remain cautious of social media activity that could trigger visa denial or secondary screening.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the agency said it will continue to engage South African authorities to prevent similar incidents and commended the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for its prompt intervention.
NIDCOM also notes that the development comes amid heightened sensitivity between Nigeria and South Africa as several Nigerian businesses and properties were recently torched during protests over the alleged installation of an Igbo King, an allegation the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has denied while calling for calm.
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