Nigeria: Courting Accused Militant Leader Henry Okah

Nigeria's government on Oct. 2 effectively offered to pardon Henry Okah, the accused leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta militant group, commonly known as MEND. During court proceedings against Okah in South Africa, Nigerian Minister for Niger Delta Affairs Godsday Orubebe said the administration wants to hold an amnesty-related dialogue and reach an agreement with Okah. Abuja could eventually reach an agreement with Pretoria for Okah's release to Nigerian authorities and his return to Nigeria.

The Nigerian government's conducive participation in Okah's trial could be partly about making sure he remains silent regarding MEND's political patronage in Nigeria. Another aspect of Abuja's involvement in Okah's trial could be to secure MEND's cooperation as the government prepares for upcoming elections.