Henry Okah

There was palpable tension in the courtroom of Justice Stephen Ada today in Jos as a ruling was delivered by the judge setting a trial date for the secret trial of the detained leader of the Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Henry Okah.

The hearing at the Federal High Court in Jos had in attendance journalists who were invited by the judge to cover the sitting. Justice Ada ruled that because of “National Security” considerations the court would try Okah in camera. He set the trial date for June 10 2008.

After his ruling, lead attorney to Okah, Mr. Femi Falana requested for all documentary evidence in possession of the prosecution but the judge declined his request leading to a tense hearing as Okah refused to plead to the 55 charges read in court by the prosecution attorney.

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Okah, who was speaking in court for the first time said he would remain mute if the prosecution will not turn over witness statements to his lawyers.

However, the judge decided to take a “no guilty plea” on his behalf, as there appeared to be a stalemate.

In closing today’s hearing, Judge Ada assured journalists in the courtroom that he would continue to use his discretion to in admitting or rejecting their involvement in covering the trial.

 

SAHARAREPORTERS