KAYODE FASUA
Detained Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, was on Thursday at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, arraigned on immigration-related offences, thus foreclosing extradition prospects.
The Nigerian authorities had reportedly demanded that he be brought to Abuja to face treason and other charges, but the Beninoise government declined, as they preferred his trial for allegedly using a fake passport.
First News had reported the behind-the-scene detail of how diplomatic talks between the two countries collapsed, over the Igboho issue.
However, Igboho and his wife, Ropo, were arraigned on Thursday and charges preferred against them reportedly did not relate to terrorism or treasonable acts.
While ordering that Igboho be returned to custody, the court also ordered the release of his wife, it was gathered.
“They just finished from court. The wife is to be released this night and Sunday is to remain in custody. The matter was adjourned to Friday,” a court official revealed to our correspondent.
Recall that the Department of State Service (DSS) had on July 1 raided the residence of Igboho in Ibadan, Oyo State, during which two of his aides were killed in a gun duel.
Igboho had planned a ”Yoruba Nation Rally” in Lagos two days before the attack.
The DSS alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons and plotting insurrection, following which he was declared wanted.