Ibrahim Salami, lead counsel to Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho said new charges had been filed against the activist.
Salami listed the charges against Igboho as illegal migration, dubious connivance with immigration officers and an attempt to cause civil unrest.
According to him, Igboho was “deeply pained” when the judge ordered that he should be returned to the cell after the case was adjourned.
Salami, who is a professor of Law, disclosed that lawyers would file the Yoruba activist bail application “shortly” after which the next date for Igboho’s hearing would be fixed.
He added that Igboho’s trial might begin afresh with the new charges.
“We are now nine lawyers on this case in Benin Republic, among whom only three of us can speak Yoruba. There is no adjournment date. There are now new charges.
“The lawyers will now go and apply for his bail and get a date for the hearing. We will now defend him against the fresh charges. Also, there is no day for judgement on the old charges,” he added.
Reacting to the new charges, Salami said, “We were first surprised, because it was like magic. We went to court for a reason and we were confronted with fresh charges after sailing through two stages on the initial allegations.
“It’s surprising that was done. Igboho only passed through Benin Republic, while heading for Germany. He didn’t spend up to a day in Benin. We do not think that is rational. One of the fresh charges against him is a criminal case. It is a big offence. It will require a senior judge to adjudicate. It is a serious crime here in Benin Republic.”