It has been revealed why the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government refused to file an extradition charge against Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho.
Recall that DAILY GIST had reported on Thursday that Igboho appeared at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic for hearing on his case
According to reports, The charge levelled against igboho was not related to extradition as widely expected and speculated
It’s for immigration-related offences, DAILY GIST has learnt.
Igboho was said to be in possession of a forged Beninois passport.
The authorities of Benin Republic said they would dock him for the alleged forgery
After first hearing on Thursday, Igboho was remanded inside prison in Benin Republic.
Consequently, The Court D’Appeal in Cotouno adjourned the case of Igboho till Monday, July 26th, 2021.
However it was gathered that Igboho’s wife who was also arraigned on Thursday has been released on Thursday evening.
The court directed its officials to return the passport and other documents seized from the wife of the activist, Ropo Igboho
Igboho is awaiting his fate at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, following his arraignment by the authorities of the country for immigration-related offences.
The counsel to the activist, Yomi Aliyu while speaking with Newsmen on the development confirmed that the FG has failed to file extradition charges against his client in court.
Alliyu noted that the Nigerian government is pleading with the Benin republic to keep igboho pending the time they will file charges against him.
Aliyu said, “Not only that his wife has been released, but the FGN also refused to file an extradition charge against him. They are begging the Benin Republic to keep him pending the time they will file charges against him. Which serious country will accept that”?
A statement by Communications Manager, Ilana Omo Oodua, Maxwell Adeleye, quoted Igboho’s lawyers as saying that the case had been adjourned till Monday.
The statement was titled, ‘Update on Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho’s case in Benin Republic’.
The lawyer also revealed that the court adjourned the case to give Nigeria more opportunity to bring evidence against the rights activist.
The statement read, “Yesterday, the court set Mrs. Adeyemo, lgboho’s wife free since it has been found that she has committed no offence and there’s no complaints whatsoever against her. Consequently, her German passport was returned to her.
“The lawyers handling the case reported after the proceedings that Chief Sunday Adeyemo lgboho cannot be extradited to Nigeria for two principal reasons:
“That contrary to insinuations, Nigeria and Benin have no Extradition Agreement.
“That Nigeria has not been able to come up with charges that could lead the court to order lgboho’s extradition to Nigeria.
“What Nigerian Government came up with were mere allegations against Ighoho such as trafficking in arms and inciting violence that could result in the social disturbance without evidence which the Government of Benin Republic considered spurious and untenable, and insufficient to warrant extradition.
“Lastly, the case has been adjourned till Monday 26th July to allow the Nigerian Government bring up whatever evidence they may have, and Mr. lgboho has been taken back to the police custody.”
DAILY GIST reports that The Republic of Benin rejected the federal government attempts to hastily extradite the activist
It was gathered that the Nigerian Government planned to extradite the activist on Wednesday (yesterday), but Benin Republic insisted that it would not be part of any process that was against due process.
Benin Republic had shown itself to be a country that respects the rule of law and due process.
