Wednesday 20 October 2010

Okah's defence says not enough evidence to convict


Henry Okah's defence lawyer Rudi Krause has said that the State has failed to bring sufficient evidence in front of the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court linking his client to the Independence Day bombings in Abuja.

Speaking at Okah's bail application, Krause said that the State did no provide enough evidence against his client because it “does not exist”. Krause insisted that the case against his client did not prove his involvement in the twin car bombings which left at least 12 people dead.

“Contradicting statements from Nigeria about who was responsible for the bombings should not be relied on as evidence,” said Krause.

Krause put forward that investigating officer Lt Col Graeme Zeeman, who conducted two search and seizure operations at Okah's home, without a warrant did so because he did not have “reasonable belief” that he would be granted the document.

Okah's defence said that the arrest and prosecution was an attempt by South African authorities to appease their Nigerian counterparts. Okah faces charges of engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to engage in terrorist activity and delivering, placing and detonating an explosive device.

Source: IOL

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