Sunday Igboho poisoned in Cotonou prison – Kemi Olunloyo

Controversial Nigerian journalist, Kemi Olunloyo, has alleged that Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, otherwise known as Sunday Igboho, has been poisoned in the Cotonou Prison, Benin Republic.

She also accused the Yoruba leaders over the silence on Igboho condition and revealed that his kidney function is deteriorating.

A controversial journalist said Cotonou authorities need to be questioned on what he consumed since Igboho had a healthy kidney before arresting him.

Olunloyo made this claim in a post on her Twitter account on Monday.

She wrote, “#BREAKING Sunday lgboho has been poisoned in a Cotonou prison.”

“His kidney function is deteriorating and Yoruba Nation is silent.

“Where is the cash donated for him? Cotonou authorities need to be questioned on what he consumed. He had a healthy kidney before arrest. #Kemitalks.”

This is coming days after one of the agitator’s legal counsel, Yomi Aliyu confirmed that Igboho is critically ill and has been rushed to the hospital.

Media had reported that Aliyu while interacting with BBC Yoruba earlier, alleged that the rights activist developed the illness in Benin Republic prison custody.

According to him, the agitator has also been critically ill and rushed to the hospital for treatment. The lawyer raised an alarm that Igboho is in dire need of medical treatment.

“I can’t tell if he has been returned to the prison from the hospital but what I know is, he’s battling ill health and it seems his kidney and lungs are already being affected.

“Even though I cannot tell which part of his body the sickness has really affected, I know it has to do with his internal organs.”

VAM News 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.

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.