ECOWAS Court Mandates Benin Republic to Compensate Sunday Igboho with 20 Million CFA for Unlawful Detention

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice has ruled in favor of Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, ordering the Republic of Benin to pay him 20 million CFA as compensation for what the court termed “unlawful detention.” The judgment was delivered by a three-member panel of the court in response to Igboho’s application challenging his arrest and detention in Benin.

The court specified that the compensation must be paid within three months, and Benin is required to provide evidence of compliance with the order.

Background:

In July 2021, Igboho, a Yoruba Nation agitator, and his wife were arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, at the request of the Nigerian government. This followed Igboho’s escape from Nigeria after a raid by the Department of State Services (DSS) on his residence in Ibadan.

The raid, which occurred on July 1, resulted in casualties and arrests among Igboho’s aides. The DSS accused Igboho of weapons stockpiling and declared him wanted, but attempts to repatriate him were unsuccessful.

After his arrest, Igboho faced charges in the Benin Republic related to arms smuggling, incitement of violence, and advocating Yoruba secession. Despite denial of all allegations by Igboho and his legal team, fresh charges on illegal entry and criminal association were later brought against him in the Benin Republic court.

In March 2022, Igboho was released to his doctors on the condition that he remained within the medical center or Cotonou. Later, in October, his lawyer confirmed his release, stating that Igboho had relocated to Germany.

The recent ECOWAS court ruling brings a new development, demanding compensation from Benin Republic for Igboho’s “unlawful detention” and shedding light on the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Yoruba activist.