Ibrahim Salami, one of the Benin Republic lawyers to Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, has revealed that Igboho was injured and needs medical attention.
Salami disclosed this in an interview with BBC News Yoruba, who said his client was injured during the invasion of his residence by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He further stated that Igboho would have died from the injury if not that he is a warrior which is still pushing him to persist.
Salami added that the Yoruba Nation agitator wanted to travel to Germany because he needs a competent doctor.
He charged the Benin judges to grant his client freedom so that he would be able to go to Germany.
Salami said, “He was injured in his right side when the DSS stormed his home. And it is causing a lot of pain to him. It is because he is a warrior, that is why he is still alive,” Salami said in the Yoruba language.
“He needs a competent doctor to take care of him. That is why he wanted to go to Germany.
“What he wants is that the Benin judges should grant him freedom so that he would be able to go to Germany.”
Newsflash Nigeria had reported that the 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.
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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 is 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 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 agitator access to medical care while his lawyers continue to battle for his release and kick against his extradition to Nigeria.
