Buhari’s aide mocks Igboho’s continued detention in Benin Republic

Nigerians on social media have attacked the Personal Assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Digital and New Media, Bashir Ahmad, for mocking the continued detention of Sunday Igboho, in Benin Republic.

The Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho, who has been remanded in a prison in the neighbouring Benin Republic since July 19, 2021.

The presidential aide took to his verified Facebook page on Saturday evening and shared a story published by TheCable.

The story with the headline, ‘Lawyer: Igboho’s stay in Benin prison a blessing in disguise’, quoted a member of Igboho’s legal team, Olusegun Falola, as saying that “Sunday Igboho’s stay in prison is not befitting for his status but it is a blessing in disguise, just to keep him protected.”

Reacting, Ahmad shared the story with a snide comment, “Hilarious!”

A screenshot of Bashir Ahmad’s Facebook comment on Igboho’s continued detention in Cotonou

Scores of his followers have since flooded his comment section with criticisms.

One Abdulkareem Adewale wrote, “Bashir Ahmad in the real sense of patriotism, of what use is this now? In as much as I disagree with Sunday in some areas but why can’t you just leave all these tribal banters? What pleasure do you derive from this? This will tear us more apart than unite us. This is not necessary and insensitive of you. Did you ever post about Abba Kyari all through? why this?”

“This is a lesson for you people who still believe in one Nigeria, can a reasonable person who is a president’s aide from the south post something like this against the north?” Bright Oguntade querried.

Another Facebook user, Adepeju Oluseyi, wrote, “It wasn’t hilarious when your “brother” Pantami was accused of being a terrorist sympathiser? And you are an SA (special adviser) to a president, what a country!”

“How many herdsmen and Fulani killers have you guys hunt down like this? What is this man’s (Igboho), and Kanu’s offence? Power doesn’t last always o!” Benjamin Musa exclaimed.

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Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that the Department of State Services (DSS) raided Igboho’s residence around 1 am on July 1, 2021, before he was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic on July 19, 2021.

The secret police had said it killed two of his associates and arrested about 12 others during the bloody raid.

Igboho, who narrowly escaped the bloody raid, was subsequently declared wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of Yoruba Nation, an allegation he denied.

After about three weeks in hiding in Nigeria, Igboho found his way to Benin Republic but luck ran out on him and he was arrested around 8 pm on July 19, 2021, by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou.

Igboho was arrested after the Federal Government notified its West African neighbours — including the Republic of Benin- that he should be captured.

Igboho was arrested in Cotonou when he tried boarding a flight to Germany after the Nigerian government notified Interpol.

He was arrested with his wife, Ropo, but the Cour De’appal De Cotonou ordered the release of the Germany-based wife of the activist, saying there were no allegations against her.

The Beninese court, however, ordered that Igboho be in prison custody in the country while further investigations would be carried out on the case against him.

Igboho, who is now seeking asylum in the Benin Republic, is facing allegations bordering on trafficking in arms, inciting violence and causing disunity in Nigeria.

Some of the other offences said to have been committed by the activist bordered on entering the Benin Republic illegally and alleged planned intent to cause social unrest in the Republic of Benin.

Though currently in detention, the court granted the 48-year-old agitator access to medical care while his lawyers continue to battle for his release and kick against his extradition to Nigeria.

Asked recently whether the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), had abandoned the extradition of Igboho or otherwise, Malami’s Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Gwandu, had said that he could not make the “processes” known to the public.

“There are certain things that may not require publicity but the important thing is having a peaceful Nigeria and not discussing all or making public some of the processes so far,” Gwandu had said.

The AGF Office is responsible for matters regarding extradition, repatriation and transfer of suspects or wanted persons.

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