Uncertainty as Igboho spends ‘over 120 days’ in Benin Republic detention

By ALAO ABIODUN

Embattled Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho has been in the eye of the storm since he was ‘arrested’ by the operatives of Brigade criminelle (Criminal Brigade) on July 19 in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Checks by The Nation shows he has spent 125 days in Benin Republic prison.

The Nation reports that before Igboho’s arrest, his Ibadan home was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), killing two of his aides and arresting 12 others during the operation.

The 49-year-old agitator, who narrowly escaped the bloody raid, was subsequently declared wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of Yoruba Nation.

Igboho, after going underground for 19 days, was finally arrested in neighbouring Cotonou, while trying to travel to Germany.

He was arrested with his wife, Ropo, but the Cour D’appel De Cotonou ordered the release of the wife based in Germany saying there were no allegations against her.

Since he was arrested, the legal battle to either extradite Igboho to Nigeria or hand him back his freedom has witnessed a series of dramatic twists and turns.

The court on July 27, ordered that he should be remanded in a facility in the country, pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The Nation learnt a trial judge who is currently investigating Igboho’s case, will table his ruling before another judge who will give judgment.

Igboho’s lawyers had said the Yoruba Nation agitator was remanded to allow police to conduct a thorough investigation into the charges, which included illegal migration, attempt to cause civil unrest, others.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government, through Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, said, last week, that it was not opposed to political solution to the Igboho case and that of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, currently being tried in an Abuja court for terrorism.

Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki in a live video update over the weekend monitored by The Nation said, “Chief Sunday Igboho is now spending four-month in Benin Republic prison, just because he is demanding for his right, many politicians or the government think they are the one keeping him there and delaying justice.

“But the Yorubas are asking Benin Republic to let him go, especially for him to reunite with his family.

“We are using this opportunity again to say to the Benin Republic government to do the needful. He has spent more than enough time; it is time to allow him to go. Holding him there is not in the favour of the country.

Koiki stated that despite the strong legal representation and other support, Igboho is still in detention. He called on all Yorubas to mount pressure on Benin Republic president, Patrice Talon to release Igboho.

“For each day Sunday Igboho is in detention, we will remind them (Benin Republic). There is no evidence that he has committed any crime in the country.

“Benin Republic is now playing politics with Sunday Igboho’s case by listening to the Nigerian government. They’ve refused to allow justice to be served. History will remember Patrice Talon. Holding Sunday Igboho is not in the best interest of the country, it is just a matter of time.”

“You’re holding a man that has not done anything wrong, he only asked for the betterment of his people who were terrorised by killer herders. They have refused to allow justice to be served.”

“Chief Sunday Igboho is fine, but still needs medical treatment,” he added. (The Nation)