Those who have gushed about the human rights and rule of law credentials of Benin Republic will have to rethink their worshipful appreciation of the tiny West African country.
At the resumed trial of wanted Yoruba nation secessionist Sunday Adeyemo Igboho in Benin’s court of appeal July 26, activists and supporters of the accused had a taste of security high-handedness many complain of in Nigeria .
According to reports, the Beninese authorities deployed seven truckloads of policemen to disperse the crowd of supporters who came to observe the proceeding.
Among them were delegates of Ooni of Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Ilana Omo Odua. Others were supporters from Nigeria and Benin.
Their experience was contrary to the initial proclamation by the likes of Prof Banji Akintoye, leader of the Igboho secessionist group, Igboho’s lawyers Yomi Aliu and Pelumi Olajengbesi, Lagos lawyer Femi Falana, and many more. They all had lavished praises on the French former colony for its upstanding record.
“Fortunately, Benin Republic is reliably a land of law where the authorities responsibly obey the law,” Akintoye predicted–or wishedigboho–days ago.
But Benin, which comes 81st of 180 countries in respect for human rights, according to World Justice Forum ranking, hasn’t lived up to that expectation.
The Beninese security agents, on Monday, chased out hundreds of the Yoruba Nation activists and journalists from the premises of the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, the venue of the hearing of the case against Igboho.
The court also barred journalists from the courtroom, allowing only Igboho’s lawyers and his wife, Ropo, inside the courtroom.
A similar incident happened in Abuja same day when another secessionist, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, was to appear in court. His supporters and activists who came to observe proceeding were thrown out of the courtroom and its premises.
Ibrahim Salami, the Beninese lawyer defending Igboho, warned earlier the eager beavers of a crowd cheering the accused would worsen his case if they stormed the court. And they did.
After today’s hearing, Igboho, spending eighth night handcuffed in police custody, will return to court for another hearing July 29.
Nigeria has insisted Igboho must be returned to face trial over allegations of stockpiling weapons, among others.