IGBOHO RISKS 21 YEARS IN JAIL OVER FAKE BENINESE PASSPORT

The Yoruba nation agitator ,Sunday Igboho is in danger of spending 21 years in prison over a doctored Beninese passport he presented at Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou.

Igboho, who is on the run, was placed on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) ‘stop-list’ on July 9.


The Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were alerted by the NIS of Igboho’s effort to acquire a new Nigerian passport as part of plans to flee.

As the authorities uncovered his strategy, Igboho, it was gathered, made arrangements for an unofficial Beninese passport.

Igboho and Ropo were stopped and arrested on their way to Germany after security operatives discovered their real identities.


In an interview with BBC Yoruba, a lawmaker in Benin, Mr. Tolulase said Igboho is in a messy situation, disclosing that the letter of the law is always upheld in the country .

“On this passport issue, take me for instance, I’m from Benin but married an Ijebu woman. We have five kids. She gave birth to two in Nigeria, three in Benin.

“Only the three have Beninese passport, the two others and my wife do not have. She can only apply if we marry legally in Benin.

“Even after the court wedding, the passport is not issued immediately. She will wait for some years and must go through the processes.
“The first thing you must have is National Identity Card. Now, if you’re not a citizen, the only way you can get a passport is if you legally marry a Beninoise.

“You can see it’s not easy. So, if you procure a fake one, you’ll be uncovered because you don’t have a National Identity Card. The details are linked.

“The card must have a family name. About three to five of your relatives must confirm to the government they know you and your early years.

“It is after they testify that the court will issue the card, which can then be used to apply for a passport. If such is doctored, the punishment is 21 years imprisonment. It’s a serious offence.

“And it’s not just the owner of the fake passport that will be prosecuted, all those who know about it will be charged to court.

“On Chief Sunday Igboho, the Beninese government will carry out a detailed investigation that will expose everyone involved in his passport obtainment”, Tolulase said.
On the other hand , igboho’s legal team are fighting against his extradition to Nigeria where he may face treason charges.


The Nigerian government and South-West governors have kept mum on Igboho’s plight.

The supporters of the Yoruba nation agitator have clamoured for his unconditional release, insisting self-determination isn’t a crime.


President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, Joe Okei-Odumakin, has implored the Beninoise government not to repatriate Igboho, adding that Igboho cannot be assured of safety or justice in Nigeria and “will come to grief if he is extradited under the prevailing circumstances”.