Benin Republic In Rumoured Attempt To Deport Sunday Igboho To Nigeria

There were strong suggestions that popular Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, may be deported to Nigeria.

It was learnt that his deportation was to enable the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to arrest him.

However, Sunday Igboho’s lawyers have kicked against the move, saying that it was against international law.

Sources in the Benin Republic on Thursday disclosed that the Beninese government was not ready to engage in diplomatic crisis with Nigeria.

One of the sources, who work with Benin’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau, revealed that charges against Igboho were punishable by deportation, fine, or imsprisonment.

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The security officer said, “Our intelligence gathering showed that it is unhealthy to jail Igboho here (Benin Republic).

“Yes, he was detained for fresh charges. While he was initially with Brigade Criminelle facility, he made useful confessions. His lawyers also know that he is guilty of irregular migration,” the senior NCB officer revealed.

Another official said, “The least punishment Igboho can be given is to be deported to the country he came from (Nigeria) if found guilty. The Nigerian authorities can take over from there if they wish.”

An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) further said, “Yes, he is wanted. We have the mandate to arrest him if he steps into Nigeria. That is not hidden.”

However, counsel for Sunday Igboho, when contacted, warned the Benin Republic against deporting the activist, stating that was dangerous and against international law.

One of the activist’s lawyers said he was aware that the FG is putting pressure on the Benin Republic “through the backdoor to deport Igboho at a time that will only be known between the security operatives of the two countries.”

When contacted, Pelumi Olajengbesi, a Nigerian-based counsel for Igboho, said the plan would fail.

“I am aware that the Federal Government through the former Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai is making effort to get him deported. We can say that clearly.

“So, far the facts available before the court have nothing to do with Nigeria government.

“We have nothing to worry about because the Benin Republic government has shown that it will operate within the precinct of the law. For us, we believe that Igboho is a criminal of conscience who has taken effort to liberate his people,” he said.

Also, the Coordinating counsel for Igboho, Olasupo Ojo, warned that deporting Sunday Igboho for Nigeria to arrest him was against international law.

“It is illegal under international law to send back somebody who escaped to save his life. You cannot send him to the country where there is ample evidence that his life is at stake, endangered. It will bounce back heavily on Benin Republic if they do that,” he said.

It would be recalled that the 48-year-old activist and his wife were arrested on Monday, July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, the Benin Republic while attempting to flee to Germany.

Sunday Igboho’s wife, Ropo, was released after the court found out that she had not committed any offence.

On his part, the embattled Yoruba Nation agitator was returned to the custody of Brigade Criminelle in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS) had declared Sunday Igboho wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied.

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