“Security Forces Didn’t Arrest Sunday Igboho, He Surrendered Himself To Government” — Lawyer

Pelumi Olajengbesi, one of the lawyers for Yoruba freedom fighter Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, who was detained in Cotonou, Benin Republic, has stated that the activist surrendered and was not apprehended by security forces.

Igboho was apprehended in Cotonou on Monday night, with reports that he was on his way to Germany.

However, he was apprehended by security forces in a neighboring country.

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning, Olajengbesi said, “Truly he was arrested and I have confirmed that. We are making efforts to ensure that he is fine. You know the Department of State Services declared him wanted. We just believe that Sunday Igboho is not the problem. He is someone who believed that the Yoruba people and Nigerians generally should live in peace wherever they are.

“As a matter of fact, let me tell you now. That Sunday Igboho was arrested simply because he wanted to make himself available to the government. If not, Sunday Igboho is not someone who can be arrested that way. But because he believes that the journey to justice for the Yoruba people and for the Nigerian state to be able to live in peace may be needed for him to be available, that was why.”

A source privy to the incident had said, “Sunday Igboho has been arrested in Cotonou. He was arrested about an hour ago.

“He was supposed to travel to Germany through Cotonou this night. He wanted to leave Africa through Cotonou. He was arrested by security operatives in Cotonou.

“They are planning to bring him back to Nigeria.”