Benin Republic Files Fresh Charges Against Sunday Igboho

Benin Republic has filed new charges against Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in Cotonou last Monday.

Ibrahim Salami, one of the Cotonou, Benin Republic-based lawyers of Sunday Igboho, disclosed the new charges after Monday’s hearing, where Igboho was directed to remain in police custody in Benin Republic.

Before the hearing, Salami had stated that the legal team was expecting extradition charges from the Nigerian government against the activist.

However, he said Sunday Igboho was confronted with fresh charges when he appeared on Monday.

The lawyer said Igboho was further remanded to enable the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the charges, which included illegal migration, dubious connivance with immigration officers and an attempt to cause civil unrest.

Salami had expected that Igboho would be released on Monday because the Federal Government had yet to file formal extradition charges against Igboho.

He further explained that the previous allegations that warranted placing Igboho on a watchlist had successful being tackled during the hearing.

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

“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,” the lawyer said.