Nigeria Has No Legal Means To Extradite Igboho, May Be Released On Monday – Lawyer

Ibrahim Salami, one of the lawyers of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, has said that Nigeria has no legal means to extradite the activist.

In an interview with BBC Yoruba, the law professor noted that there is no accord between Nigeria and Benin that allows Benin to extradite Igboho to Nigeria.

Salami, however, revealed that Igboho can only be extradited on political grounds, not on a law basis.

He said, “When we went to court on Thursday, we had a large turnout of Igbho’s supporters. I frowned on their action. They should stay at home and let us do our job. Igboho is accused of causing disorderliness and civil unrest. If they are now mobilising to court, it may send a wrong signal. They should support him with prayers from home.

“There is no accord between Nigeria and Benin that allows Benin to extradite Igboho to Nigeria. He can only be extradited on political grounds. In that regard, the law won’t apply.”

Speaking further, Salami disclosed the activist might be released by the Cour D’Appal De Cotonou on Monday.

The law professor added that Igboho has two more stages to go through before he will be set free or jailed by the court.

He said: “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.”

He added: “Yes, the process will end on Monday. 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.”