Activist Sunday Igboho Released By Benin Republic
Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from protective custody in the neighboring Republic of Benin, according to a statement from Yoruba Nation Leader, Prof. Banji Akintoye. Igboho’s release has been confirmed, and he is currently en route to Germany to reunite with his family.
Igboho was apprehended on July 19, 2021, at Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin, by the International Criminal Police Organisation while attempting to travel to Germany. His arrest followed his departure from Nigeria after a violent raid on his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, by the Department of State Service (DSS), which had accused him of hoarding weapons. He had been held in protective custody in Benin until his recent release.
Reports from a local newspaper in Benin, Banouto, stated that Igboho was detained at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou, subsequently arrested by Beninese police, and transferred to the Cotonou Criminal Brigade. It was anticipated that his extradition to Nigeria would proceed smoothly under the existing agreements between the two countries.
While the Nigerian government has remained silent on this development, various Yoruba groups have reacted to Igboho’s release. Igboho’s legal representative has called upon the government of Benin Republic to prevent his extradition to Nigeria, citing concerns for his safety and potential threats to his life.
In a brief statement, the lawyer emphasized the need to resist the Nigerian Government’s actions and requested that they deny any extradition requests, as Igboho already has an application pending before the International Criminal Court, which has been duly acknowledged.
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