29 June 2009
Lagos — Human Rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana , who is the lead counsel to Mr. Henry Okah, currently standing trial for conspiracy, treason and treasonable felony, before the Federal High Court, holden at Jos, Plateau State, has petitioned President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua over the health condition of his client.
Falana wants Yar'Adua to use his good offices to ensure that Okah is released to travel abroad for urgent treatment of his deteriorating renal problems.
Falana was reacting to the statement credited to the Minister of Interior, General Godwin Abbe, to the effect that Okah would not be released from custody until the Federal Government has had consultations with the Governments of Angola and Equitorial Guinea.
He argued that, "In the 3-count charge filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation against our client, none of the elements of the offences is alleged to have taken place in either Angola or Equitorial Guinea."
According to Falana, "In fact, our client and his business partner, Mr. Edward Atatah, were detained for five months without trial by the Angolan Government," adding "One would have expected the Government of Nigeria to demand for public apology and monetary compensation from the Angolan Government for the illegal detention of the two Nigerian citizens."
Falana stated that "the decision to seek and obtain the fiat of the Governments of Angola and Equatorial Guinea before the President of Nigeria can exercise his prerogative of mercy under Section 175 of the Constitution in respect of our client is a grand mockery of the sovereignty of Nigeria."
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Am glad we still have lawyers like Femi Falana in our Judicial system.