Embattled Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho has been in the eye of the storm since he was ‘arrested’ by the operatives of Brigade criminelle (Criminal Brigade) on July 19 in Cotonou.
Despite frantic efforts to get him released, checks by The Nation show he has spent over 150 days in Benin Republic prison.
Today, December 19, if not released, he would be spending 153rd day in detention.
His supporters have expressed worries over prolonged stay in detention. Some alleged that the Benin’s President Patrice Talon is working with the federal government to extradite Igboho back to Nigeria, others called for prayers and spiritual support
Earlier this week, Igboho was among the ‘Top trending people’ category of 2021 Year in Search lists on Google.
Many groups including Agbekoya Farmers Society, the diaspora groups have staged protests to demand the ‘unconditional’ release of Igboho.
Eminent lawyers including Chief Yomi Aliu (SAN), Pelumi Olajengbesi, Benin Republic based team of lawyers including Ibrahim Salami, Olusegun Falola have been providing legal services for the embattled agitator to secure his release.
The Nation learnt that Igboho is unlikely to be released on bail considering the political interests involved in his case.
Earlier, one of his lawyers had said, Igboho might be held in detention for weeks pending the conclusion of investigation.
The Nation reports before Igboho’s arrest, his Ibadan home was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), killing two of his aides and arresting 12 others during the operation.
The 49-year-old agitator, who narrowly escaped during the bloody raid, was subsequently declared wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of Yoruba Nation.