Pelumi Olajengbesi, a counsel to the Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said that the activist surrendered himself for apprehension, and was not captured by the security operatives.
He was, however, apprehended by security operatives in the neighbouring country and has been put up for extradition to Nigeria.
While addressing newsmen on Tuesday, 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 believes 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.”
Recall that the Department of State Services (DSS) had declared Igboho wanted after its operatives carried out an invasion on his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunnaya, had then advised Igboho to report himself to the nearest security agency, for apprehension.
“Those cheering and eulogising him may appeal to or advise him to do the needful.
“He should surrender himself to the appropriate authorities. He or anyone can never be above the law,” Afunnaya said.
