Independence Day bombing: I’m ready for trial –Charles Okah

Suspected mastermind of October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Charles Okah, who is standing trial for alleged terrorism told a Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday that he was mentally ready to face his long-awaited trial.

Okah informed the court that the current improved condition of Kuje Prisons in Abuja and his health challenges that interrupted proceedings were over.

“Our condition at Kuje Prisons has improved through the intervention of the International Red Cross Society and the British Council. I am now medically, psychologically and physically ready for the trial,” he said.

Okah said he had suffered gross violation of his rights since the case was instituted four years ago by the Federal Government. He expressed confidence in the trial judge’s ability to dispense justice in the matter.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), said the matter was adjourned to enable the Legal Aid Council represent Okah, following the withdrawal of Mr. Festus Keyamo, who had been representing him since the suit was instituted.

While the counsel from the Legal Aid Council, Mr. S. A. Ahulah, said the council needed to procure the record of proceedings and other necessary court processes to enable them prepare for the trial, he also told the court that he was only standing for the council as the case file was yet to be assigned to a lawyer. He sought for a short adjournment to enable them go through the file.

Izinyon did not oppose the defendant’s ‎application for a short adjournment. The court had ordered the Federal Government to provide a defence lawyer for Okah, who is facing terrorism charges before the court.

Charles, a brother to a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah, is being tried alongside Obi Nwabueze for the October 1, 2010 multiple bomb blasts near the Eagle Square in Abuja.

Henry had been tried and is already serving a jail term in South Africa for the attack in which about 12 persons died.

Charles and his co-accused, Obi Nwabueze, have been without a lawyer since they disengaged the services of Keyamo in October last year.