Court appearance: Okah’s escape bid foiled

There was a mild drama on Tuesday, as the accused brain behind the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja and brother of Henry Okah, Charles Okah, tried escaping from court.

The younger Okay tried jumping from the third floor of the Federal High Court complex in Abuja but was stopped by security men.

Okah was in court for the continuation of his trial.

Okah, who is standing trial on charges of terrorism, had sought the permission of the Justice Gabriel Kolawoleto speak on what he termed “endless trial,” as his counsel was absent in court.

The judge granted the oral application and permitted Okah to speak for about five minutes.

Okah said: “I have been incarcerated for about five years now and I have a family to cater for. My children would grow up without feeling the warmth of their father and I am tired of this endless trial.  I really do not know what I have done to be treated this way.

Read also: True confessions: Hear what Okah says from prison

 

“Is it not better to die than to wait and be messed up this way?” he asked.

Immediately after Okah ended his speech, he grabbed a chair in the court and quickly moved toward a window on third floor of the five-storey building and attempted to jump down.

He was immediately pulled back by security operatives, lawyers and other litigants from embarking on the action.

Consequently, Kolawole adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for continuation of trial.

Others charged in the case are Obi Nwabueze and Edmund Ebuware.

The fourth accused, Tiemkemfa Osuvwo, died in Kuje prison, while Ebuwari has been jailed for life as his case was separately decided.

However, Okah and Nwabueze have been facing long trial as a result of the introduction of numerous injunctions from both the prosecution and defence teams.

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