Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho recounts how a trusted friend betrayed him during the DSS raid on his Ibadan home, leading to deaths, property destruction, and his two-year detention in Benin Republic.
Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has revisited the July 1, 2021 midnight raid on his Ibadan home by security operatives, including personnel from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, in Ondo State, Igboho claimed the raid was a direct attempt to take his life.
“They shot at me several times, but the prayers of my fathers protected me. People claimed my intestines were damaged or my leg was broken, but none of that happened,” he stated.
Betrayal and Death of His Cat
Igboho disclosed that a trusted associate betrayed him by revealing to security operatives that his cat should not be allowed to escape, leading to its death.
“When they entered my room, they saw my cat on the bed. Because my so-called friend told them not to let it escape, they killed it and wrapped it like a corpse,” he said.
He further alleged that the raid resulted in the deaths of two people and widespread damage to his property.
Public Outrage and Legal Criticism
The raid was met with widespread condemnation across the country. Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka described the invasion as unjustified and called for an official apology.
Senior lawyer Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) also criticized the operation, describing it as unconstitutional and a violation of Igboho’s fundamental rights as a Nigerian citizen.
Detention in Benin Republic and Mother’s Death
After the raid, Igboho fled Nigeria but was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while trying to travel to Germany. He spent almost two years in detention, during which his mother passed away.
“She called me and promised to pray for my release, but she died the following day. Not long after, the Benin Republic President ordered my release,” he recalled.
Passport Challenges and Plea to Return
Igboho revealed that Nigerian authorities withheld his passport, forcing him to use a German-issued protection passport, which only permits temporary travel.
Appealing to the Olowo of Owo, he requested intervention with President Bola Tinubu to lift the “wanted” status and allow his safe return to Nigeria.
Monarch’s Assurance
In response, Oba Ogunoye commended Igboho’s courage, urging him and his supporters to remain law-abiding while assuring continued support for his cause.
