Arrested Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly know as Sunday Igboho has been released by the Government of Benin Republic.
Igboho is on his way to Germany where he is expected to meet his family members, Irohinoodua reports.
Sources said his release was partly due to Western countries involving Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States mounting intense pressure on the Government of Benin Republic not to hand over Chief Sunday Adeyemo, (Igboho) to the Nigerian authorities.
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Ambassadors of some Western nations reached out to the authorities of the Benin Republic asking him not to hand over Chief Adeyemo to the Nigerian government.
They hinge their arguments on strong suspicion that Igboho will not get justice if returned to his home country.
“We do not think returning Igboho to Nigeria will set standards for the Benin Republic in line with global human rights best practices diplomat told our correspondent in Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, a lawyer, Mr. Leesi Ebenezer Olarewaju based in the United States who is one of those representing Chief Adeyemo said there are strong indications the Benin Republic will not transfer Igboho to Nigeria.
Olanrewaju said the authorities of the International Police and the Government of the Republic of Benin are not willing to return Igboho to Nigeria.
He said under international laws, Igboho is not seen to have committed any crime but merely fighting for self-determination which is recognised under international law
He said Benin arrested Igboho based on ‘alarm’ raised by Nigeria.
He said the British and German governments already have shown interest in the case
He said “We are on top of the situation right now. We have successfully notified the British government on the dangers of letting Sunday Adeyemo returned to Nigeria where his life is at risk. We believe that before the end of today, BRITAIN would have granted his request for asylum in good faith.”