Guinea’s most wanted fugitive, former senior military officer Ex-Col Claude Pivi, has been extradited from Liberia along with his son, Verny Pivi.

Their arrest occurred during a routine security check on the border, leading to their return to Guinea, where Pivi will serve a life sentence after being convicted in absentia for his role in the tragic 2009 stadium massacre in Conakry.

The massacre, which remains one of the darkest chapters in Guinea’s history, resulted in the deaths of over 156 opposition supporters during a rally demanding a return to civilian rule. In addition to the fatalities, the event was marked by widespread sexual violence, with numerous women reported to have been raped by military forces.

Pivi, known as “Coplan,” previously served as the minister of presidential security under ex-military leader Moussa Dadis Camara. Following his prison escape last November, authorities had offered a reward of $58,000 for information leading to his capture. Pivi’s son, Verny, is accused of orchestrating his father’s escape.

Upon their extradition, the military prosecutor Colonel Aly Camara confirmed that Pivi has been returned to the central prison in Conakry. His lawyer, Abdourahmane Dabo, expressed concerns regarding Pivi’s health, describing him as “weak” and frail in photographs that circulated online following the extradition.

The recapture has brought a sense of relief to victims of the massacre. Fatoumata Diariou Camara, who was directly affected by the violence, expressed her joy at Pivi’s return to custody, stating, “I pray that he will remain in prison forever.”

Meanwhile, Moussa Dadis Camara, also implicated in the massacre, was recently recaptured after being freed from prison. He is currently serving a 20-year sentence for crimes against humanity related to the same events.

The extradition of Pivi and his son marks a significant step in addressing the long-standing issues of justice and accountability for the victims of the 2009 massacre in Guinea.