SSS sue Yoruba Nation agitators for terrorism, all in a new twist

The federal government of Nigeria has instituted a fresh suit against two Yoruba Nation agitators arrested from the residence of their leader, Sunday “Igboho” Adeyemo on July 1.

The duo of Jamiu Noah Oyetunji and Amudat Habibat Babatunde were among the 12 relatives of Mr. Igboho who were arrested and have been kept in the State Security Service’s detention for over two months.

While currently facing a five-count charge, alongside 10 others, the SSS is seeking fresh prosecution of the duo for terrorism, and possession of prohibited firearms without lawful authority.

The suit, lodged before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, is dated August 31.

Speaking to Peoples Gazette on the development, lawyer to the defendants, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said no date has been fixed for hearing on the fresh suit. He described the charges against them as baseless.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria filed charges against two of the Sunday Igboho’s aides. Our reaction is that the charges are baseless, vexatious, shameful and without limbs,” Mr. Olajengbesi said.

The 12 Yoruba Nation agitators had filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against SSS after the security agency failed to release them after meeting bail conditions set by the court.

In disobedience to the court order for their release, the SSS first released eight on August 30, after Mr. Olajengbesi threatened SSS with contempt proceedings.

Two more have been later released, leaving Mr. Oyetunji and Ms. Babatunde in the secret police’s detention.

The Gazette had reported that Idowu Awo, counsel to SSS, told the court on Wednesday that the case file of Igboho supporters was stolen by armed robbers. He then prayed to the court for an adjournment of the matter.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, however, ordered that the case file be returned to the court registry for reassignment as he as a vacation judge would no longer have time to attend to the matter.