South Africa: Trial of Nigerian terror-accused to commence in January

South Africa: Trial of Nigerian terror-accused to commence in January
Funke Atohengbe, Pretoria

The commencement of the trial of Henry Okah, the alleged mastermind of the Independence Day twin bombings of October 1, 2010 in Abuja, Nigeria, has been tentatively set for Jan 30, 2012.

Prosecution counsel, Mr Shaun Abrahams told a Johannesburg Magistrates court on Tuesday that the Deputy Chief Judge had been approached on the January 30, 2012 date for the commencement of the trial.

Okah, arrested on October 2, 2010 in his Johannesburg home in South Africa, appeared at a Johannesburg Magistrates court on terrorism related charges on October 4.

Charges

He is charged with delivery, placement and detonation of explosives in relation to the Abuja blasts as well as an alternative count of conspiring with others to do so in relation with the blasts.

The Prosecution said it planned to bring additional charges relating to terrorism, terror financing and possible money laundering against Okah in connection with the March 15, 2010 explosions in Warri, Delta State.

Adjournment

The Prosecution Counsel, Shaun Abrahams requested that the case be adjourned at the Magistrates court until August 24, by which time the state would be able to furnish Okah with proof of indictment ahead of the trial.

Witnesses

Rudi Krause, Okah's counsel told the court that his client wanted 103 Nigerians to be flown into South Africa to testify as witnesses in the case.

Krause presented the list to the court and said it was a preliminary one but was brought early to give the prosecution sufficient time to prepare as Okah needed them to testify in the country.

Okah is being held in prison custody after losing his bid for leave to appeal against the denial of his bail at the High Court last week.

Ekata