Arrested Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Igboho has been released.
A reliable source told Irohinoodua that Igboho is on his way to
Germany where he is expected to meet his family members
Sources said his release was party due to Western countries involving
Britain, Canada, France, Germany and the United States mounting
intense pressure
on the Government of Benin Republic not to hand over Chief Sunday
Adeyemo, (Igboho) to the Nigerian authorities.
Sources in Cotonue hinted Irohinoodua that the Ambassadors of some Western nations reached out to the authorities of Benin Republic
asking him not to hand
over Chief Adeyemo to the Nigerian government.
They hinge their arguments on strong suspicion that Igboho will not
get justice if returned to his home country.
“We not not think returning Igboho to Nigeria will set standards for
Benin Republic in line with global human rights best practices’a
diplomat told our
correspondent in Benin Republic
Meanwhile,a lawyer, Mr Leesi Ebenezer Olarewaju based in the United states who is one of those representing Chief Adeyemo said there are strong indications
Benin Republic will not transfer Igboho to Nigeria.
Olanrewaju said the authorities of the International Police and the
Government of the Republic of Benin are not willing to return Igboho
to Nigeria.
He said under international laws, Igboho is not seen to have committed
any crime but merely fighting for self determination which is recognised under international law.
He said Benin arrested Igboho based on ‘alarm’ raised by Nigeria.
He said the British and German governments already have shown interest in the case.
He said “We are on top of the situation right now. We have
successfully notified the British government on the dangers of letting
Sunday Adeyemo returned
to Nigeria where his life is at risk. We believe that before the end
of today, BRITAIN would have granted his request for asylum in good
faith.”
In 1995, a similar incidence involving Prof Adesegun Banjo and his
wife Ngozi played out when they were arrested by Beninoise authorities
on charges of insurgency. The government of late Gen Sani Abacha exerted so much pressure on Benin Republic including offer of 1million dollars.
However, western nations
put pressure on the Goverment of Benin which later released Adebanjo
and his wife. The two later escaped to Ghana and later to Zimbabwe.
Credit: Irohinoodua