Legal Nigeria

Sunday Igboho to know fate Monday


By Alao Abiodun

Days after arrest of embattled Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho at the Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou Benin Republic, the legal battle which would determine his release, will be decided on Monday.

The 48-year-old agitator has been in the eye of the storm since he was arrested.

He is being held after he was arrested with his wife on their way to Germany on Monday night.

The Nation had reported Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said Southwest Governors and some other people were working behind the scenes on Igboho’s case.

Some Yorubas residing in Cotonou, Republic of Benin have also expressed optimism over his possible freedom on Monday.

In a virtual session on Sunday monitored by The Nation, they (Igboho’s supporters) are planning to throng the court where the hearing will hold on Monday.

Also, supporters in Diaspora are also planning to protest at various embassies.

Clarifying the court proceedings, Ibrahim Salami, a Beninese Yoruba and law lecturer, during an interview monitored by The Nation explained Igboho has two more stages before his freedom will be decided.

Salami explained: “In Benin here, there are three stages (judicial protocol) of trial.

The first is with the prosecutor, the second one is with the investigating judge and the third will determine whether he is guilty and should be sentenced or not.

“The next phase is on Monday. The first phase with the prosecutor has been concluded.

“When we get to court on Monday, we will be facing the investigation judge, and after that, we will face the judge that will determine whether he should be sentenced or not.

“Before the end of Monday, we will know if the Benin Republic government wants to jail or release him. That will be clear on Monday.”