The Buhari-led administration and the German authorities is currently in battle with the officials of Benin republic over the arrest and possible extradition of the self acclaimed Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho to Nigeria.
Benin Republic have a tough decision to make over the possible extradition of Igboho back to Nigeria.
DAILY GIST had earlier reported how Sunday Igboho was arrested by security operatives in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The is coming after the Nigerian government had placed Igboho on a stop list, a development the federal government claimed it would facilitate his arrest anywhere he is found.
Until his arrest, Igboho’s whereabout was unknown to the general public since the Department of State Services(DSS) had raided his house in ibadan and declared him wanted.
According to reports, Igboho was nabbed in Cotonou, Benin Republic with his German wife, Mrs Ropo Adeyemo in an attempt to flee to Germany to evade arrest by the DSS operatives in Nigeria
Igboho was arrested by the security forces in Benin Republic about three weeks after the Department of State Services declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied.
However, reports said diplomatic and legal intrigues have opened over Igboho’s arrest and extradition.
The involvement of his wife in the arrest got the German government to intervene in the matter.
It was also gathered that Igboho’s lawyers, led by Yomi Aliu (SAN), have moved to Benin Republic where they have contracted Beninese lawyers in readiness for a legal battle to prevent the agitator’s extradition to Nigeria.
It was learnt, that the Beninese authorities are willing to hand Igboho over to Nigeria because of the warm diplomatic relationship between the two countries and to facilitate free trade along the border with Nigeria.
A top source said: “There has been suspense over extradition of Igboho because of diplomatic intrigues. The involvement of a German citizen has added a new dimension to the arrest of Igboho. Germany is insisting on a fair procedure. Most Western nations are backing Germany.
“If Germany has its way, Igboho’s extradition has to be subjected to a thorough legal process. It is claiming that Igboho must undergo a free and transparent judicial process in Benin Republic. The Federal Government is insisting that the INTERPOL statute must be respected and the suspect should be handed over immediately.”
Based on his watch-list, the Buhari government wanted Igboho to be extradited back to Nigeria in line with the laws governing INTERPOL.
“Igboho’s lawyer Aliu and some Beninese lawyers would join in the legal and diplomatic matters, including the Extradition Treaty of 1984 by Togo, Nigeria, Ghana and Republic of Benin.
“Benin Republic, a former French colony, is weighing options to either bow to pressure from Germany or accede to Nigeria’s request by complying with INTERPOL protocols.
“When it comes to the economy of a country, no one will joke with it. You can appreciate the diplomatic web on Igboho. Benin Republic is trying to manage the situation.”
