Sunday Igboho’s trial resumes behind closed doors in Cotonou

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho, is currently being tried behind closed doors at the Cour D’Appel De Cotonou.

Journalists and his supporters were barred from the court proceeding.

It was learnt that only his lawyers and wife were allowed to witness the proceeding.

The Beninese court had last Thursday adjourned Igboho’s case till Monday after his five lawyers failed to convince the prosecutor that he had no case to answer.

The Beninese authorities have, however, released Ropo, the agitator’s wife, who was arrested with the 48-year-old activist on Monday, July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin on their way to Germany.

On his part, Igboho was returned to police custody.

Igboho is in court for possible extradition charges.

Many supporters of Yoruba Nation agitator had thronged the court on Monday to witness the trial of the activist.

This is despite earlier warnings that Benin Republic courts are not used to large crowds during sittings.

Some of the supporters had arrived in Benin Republic on Sunday with a Yoruba group offering free accommodation.

T he Federal Government would be presenting extradition charges against the Yoruba rights activist today.

According to reports, the Nigerian government would possibly be presenting a piece of video evidence.

Ibrahim Salami, one of the Cotonou, Benin Republic-based lawyers of Sunday Igboho had said on Saturday said that extradition charges were be ing expected from the Nigerian government.

The counsel insisted that only a Nigerian passport was found on the Yoruba rights activist, adding that he was not being tried for possessing a fake passport.