OSBC Osun State Broadcasting Corporation
The Yoruba Nation proponents in Cotonou, Benin Republic, have pleaded with the Government of Benin not to cave into pressure and extradite Igboho to Nigeria, alleging that the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari was desperate to crush Igboho and end the Yoruba Nation struggle.
One of the activist’s supporters, Mr Olorunwa Adekoya, said, “I am in Benin where Chief Sunday Igboho is detained. I saw him this morning and we spoke. I was not given enough time to speak with but he assured me that he is fine and there is no problem. His lawyers are with him presently. The law here is different from that of Nigeria where there could be miscarriage of justice. Igboho is not a terrorist. He is not a murderer or a kidnapper or a rapist. There was no case of murder at any of our rallies back in Nigeria. We appeal to the Beninise Government not to release him to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“I urge all Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers to pray for Igboho. The attainment of Yoruba Nation will benefit Benin Republic a lot because Nigeria has foisted difficulty on Benin Republic by blocking the borders between Nigeria and Benin Republic, thereby stalling regional trade activities along the axis.”
Another supporter, who identified himself simply as Comrade Fatayo, said, “Sunday Igboho is a freedom-fighter and there is no evidence of murder against him. I appeal to those in authority here in Benin Republic to release him because if the government here hands him over to the Nigerian government, we do not know what would happen thereafter.”
“I implore the Government of Benin Republic not to extradite Chief Sunday Igboho because we all know what the Nigerian government is capable of doing,” Comrade Eniola added.
It was earlier reported that the Beninise court ruled today (Thursday) that Igboho’s wife, Ropo, should be released unconditionally as there were no charges against her.
The court, however, ruled that Igboho be remanded in police custody till the next date of adjournment.
The two were arrested at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou on Monday while they tried to catch a flight to Germany. Igboho was earlier declared wanted by the Department of State Services for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he denied. The secret police had also raided his house, killed two of his associates and arrested about 12 of them.
