Republic of Benin files new charges against Sunday Igboho

Republic of Benin has filed new charges against Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in the country last Monday.

Ibrahim Salami, one of the Cotonou, Benin Republic-based lawyers of Sunday Igboho, stated the fresh charges after the hearing on Monday, where the activist was ordered to stay in police custody in Benin Republic.

Prior to the hearing, Salami had disclosed that the legal team was expecting extradition charges from the Nigerian government against Igboho.

Salami, however, said the activist was confronted with fresh charges when he appeared on Monday.

The lawyer declared that Sunday Igboho was further detained to allow police to conduct an in-depth investigation into the charges, which comprised illegal migration, dubious connivance with immigration officers and an attempt to cause civil unrest.

He had expected that the activist would regain his freedom on Monday because the Federal Government had yet to file official extradition charges against him.

Salami explained that the former allegations that justified placing Igboho on a watchlist had successfully been addressed during the hearing.

Some of the charges, which he declared could not be proved, are trafficking in arms, inciting violence that could result in social disturbance and causing disunity in Nigeria.

The lawyer stated in an interview with BBC Yoruba, “First, the judge ruled that Sunday Igboho entered into the Benin Republic through an illegal means. They also want to investigate how Sunday Igboho conspired with others to enter Benin Republic through wrong means.

“They also want to know how long he has been in Benin republic and his plans in the country. They also raised a charge on whether he wants to come and cause unrest or social disturbance in Benin Republic.”