Okah 'planner, funder' of car bombs
2013-01-21 14:22
Johannesburg - Nigerian Henry Okah was convicted on 13
charges of terrorist activities by the High Court in Johannesburg on Monday.
"I have come to the conclusion that the State proved
beyond reasonable doubt the guilt of the accused," Judge Neels Claassen
said when handing down judgment.
"The evidence of all the accomplices that worked with
him was not contradicted... I found that [Okah is the] leader, planner, funder,
supplier... of car bombs used in Warri in March 2010 and on October 1
2010."
Claassen said Okah's failure to testify meant evidence
against him remained uncontested.
Twelve people were killed and 36 injured in the car bombs on
1 October 2010, the anniversary of Nigeria's independence. Okah was arrested in
Johannesburg the next day.
He was also found guilty on terrorism charges relating to
two explosions in March 2010 in the southern Nigerian city of Warri.
Claassen found no evidence that Okah did not head the
Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which claimed responsibility
for the blasts.
He was found guilty of engaging in terrorist activities,
conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity, and delivering, placing, and
detonating an explosive device.
About 34 witnesses were called during the trial.
Great results
Okah denied any involvement in the blasts and said the charges
against him were politically motivated.
South Africa tried him as part of its international
obligation, as the Nigerian authorities had not applied for his extradition,
according to the prosecution.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Louw said
the State had "a watertight case against Okah".
The case proved great results could be achieved if law
enforcement agencies worked together, Louw said.
State prosecutor Shaun Abrahams said justice had been done.
The ruling showed South African and foreign law enforcement agencies could work
together.
"There is no safe haven in South Africa."
Abrahams said legislation provided for a minimum sentence of
life imprisonment for Okah's crimes.
After the guilty finding, Okah was taken to the court
holding cells under heavy police guard.
When his wife became emotional, a friend comforted her. They
then left the courtroom.
About 10 police officers were in the court, with another
four outside while the case was being heard. The main road in front of the
court was also closed.
Sentencing procedures were expected to start on 31 January.
- SAPA
