Presidency elated over Henry Okah’s conviction in South Africa

The conviction of Henry Okah by the South African Supreme Court has been commended by the Presidency, hailing it as a big step towards removing terrorism from Africa.

The court had in an appeal decision on 3rd October, 2016, convicted the accused on two out of the six-counts charge relating to the Warri bombings labeled against him, while also upholding the 12 year sentence handed Okah for the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja.

The court held that Okah was found guilty for making available money and equipment that made the attacks possible.

A Presidency source, who spoke to State House Correspondents, said the Nigerian government had written “a measured letter” to the South African government, commending the judicial decision as a big step towards removing terrorism from the continent.

Read also: Stop blaming others, address the economy, Igbo leaders tell Buhari

“South Africa has projected itself an enduring partner to Nigeria in the war against terrorism. When African countries act jointly against terrorism, they send out clear and unambiguous signals that there is no more a place for terrorism on our continent”, the source said.

The source also noted that the judgment was a victory for the fight against terrorism in all its form and shape, adding that the judgement should be hailed by all well meaning Nigerians and citizens of the world.

“The South African authorities are therefore, urged to ensure that Mr. Okah is made to face the full wrath of the law for his acts of international terrorism. The scourge of terrorism as perpetrated by the Boko Haram terrorists and the so-called

“Niger Delta Avengers or militants” has led to the death of several Nigerians and the monumental destruction of national assets”, the source said.

By Timothy Enietan-Matthews

RipplesNigeria …without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now