Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is demanding $1,000,000 in damages for each day he has been imprisoned in Benin Republic.
Igboho’s lawyer filed the case before the Community Court of Justice (CCJ) of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.
After the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded his Ibadan home on July 1, 2021, Igboho escaped to Benin Republic en route Germany but was arrested by security operatives of the Brigade Criminelle on July 19, 2021.
Igboho, through his lawyer Tosin Ojaomo, now seeks a declaration that Benin Republic is violating his rights.
Ojaomo in the application dated February 10, 2022, sought an order for the immediate and unconditional release of Igboho, pending litigation and determination on damages. He also wants his Nigerian passport released.
Igboho’s counsel said the application is brought pursuant to Article 3(4) of the 2005 Supplementary Protocol A/SP.1/01/05, by which “the Court has jurisdiction to determine (the) case of violation of human rights that occur in any Member State.”
“Article 11(1) of the 1991 Community Court of Justice Protocol (A/P.I/7/91) by which “cases may be brought before the Court by an application addressed to the Court Registry.”
The application was made days after it emerged that Benin Republic authorities had extended Igboho’s detention by six months.
