Former militant leader back in court

2010-10-14 13:27

Johannesburg – Former Nigerian militant leader Henry Okah's lawyer began arguing for bail for his client in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday morning.

His lawyer Rudi Krause and State prosecutor Shaun Abrahams argued over the technicalities around Okah's bail application.

The court adjourned around 10:30 while the State presented documents that could see Okah denied bail.

Okah was arrested in Johannesburg last Saturday, after a dual car bombing killed 12 people in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on October 1.

Okah was charged with engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity and delivering, placing and detonating an explosive device.

Okah has been linked to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which claims to be fighting for a fairer distribution of oil revenue. The group was believed to be an umbrella organisation for criminal gangs.

Okah was arrested in Angola three years ago and transferred into Nigerian custody. He was released as part of an amnesty programme offered to militants in the Niger Delta, the heart of Nigeria's oil industry. He was living in Johannesburg.

- SAPA