It is no longer news that popular self-styled Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho is being tried for migration-related issues in Cotonou after he was allegedly caught with a fake passport while he was trying to escape to Germany through an Air France flight.
The 48-year-old activist was on June 19, 2021, arrested alongside his wife Ropo by the International Criminal Police Organisation in concert with the Nigeria Secret Police at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
Consequently, several hands have been on deck to ensure that Igboho is not extradited to Nigeria. The belief is that if the Nigerian government gets hold of him, he could be killed or made to suffer the same fate as a prisoner of conscience like IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Shiites leader, El-Zakzaky.
Although, the Cour De’Appal De Cotonou on Thursday, ruled that Ropo should be released unconditionally, as there were no charges against her, Sunday Igboho spent his “first weekend” in the police cell in Cotonou.
One of the several claims by the Nigeria government is that Sunday Igboho is a custodian of different kinds of weapons that he uses to agitate for self-determination and to incite unrest in the country.
However, as his trial continues and ends hopefully today, Sunday Igboho is going to know his fate before the end of the day. It is going to be a tough legal battle between his lawyers and the Nigerian State. Yet, his (Igboho’s) salvation rest on the shoulders of the Cotonou Appeal Court’s Judge.
Here are some of the possible outcomes of today’s trial as predicted by Naija Banquet.
• Possible Extradition to Nigeria If Found Guilty
Sunday Igboho may most, unfortunately, be extradited to Nigeria if found guilty of the charges levelled against him by the Nigerian government. Although there are no charges yet, the Nigeria government have reportedly been collating evidence to indict the Yoruba Activist of criminal activities in Nigeria. There are arguments however, that Igboho can not be extradited to Nigeria because there are no laws in this regard that tie Nigeria and Cotonou together.
• He May Be Released To Continue His Exile Journey To Germany
Another possible outcome of Igboho’s trial today is that Igboho might be released unconditionally to continue his exile journey. That is if and only if he finds favour in the sight of the Judge presiding over his case today. This means that his lawyers should be able to argue through and convince the judge on reasons he should be released to continue on his exile journey to Germany.
• He May Be Granted Asylum In Cotonou
The third prediction is the possibility of Igboho being granted asylum in Cotonou. If the court is made to understand Igboho’s persecution back in Nigeria, and what he would probably face if extradited to Nigeria, the court may be compassionate enough to rule in his favour and grant him asylum in Cotonou.
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