THE Federal Government and the Department of States Service are still mute over the arrest and detention of the Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho, on Monday night, in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Despite several reports linking the DSS with the arrest of the self-acclaimed activist, the security force has remained mum.
Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki was quoted by the Nation as saying that the hearing in the activist’s extradition case would hold today.
“I can confirm, he will have the opportunity to be heard at the Benin Republic court, they respect international law. It will be held today (Thursday) by God’s grace.
“The sitting will be held at 10am in the morning at the Benin Republic court.
“The court will determine the fate of the extradition and we’ll also have the opportunity to present our case especially on the personality of Igboho.
“We know the magnitude of what the Nigerian government is trying to do if they try to get hold of Igboho but they will fail, by God’s grace
“Their intention was to capture him (Igboho), but God fought for him,” he said.
Former Chief of Army Staff and current Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), is said to be pressing diplomatic buttons to hastily extradite Igboho to DSS custody in Abuja.
However, Igboho’s lead counsel, Yomi Aliyyu (SAN), noted that his client cannot be extradited because the 1984 Extradition Treaty between Nigeria, Benin and two others excluded political refugees like Igboho.
Igboho and his wife, Ropo, have been kept in police custody in Cotonou since Monday night while his lawyers are in talks with the Beninise government to secure his release and stop his extradition.
Igboho and his wife were arrested by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou around 8pm on Monday while trying to catch a flight to Germany.
The DSS had raided Igboho’s residence in the Soka area of Ibadan on July 1, 2021, arrested at least 12 of his associates and killed two others during the bloody raid.
Igboho escaped the raid and the secret police subsequently declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of Yoruba Nation agitation but Igboho denied the allegation.
The activist, who went underground, was, however, apprehended on Monday night in Cotonou.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Igboho’s extradition hearing would hold in court today.
