Henry Okah Breaks Jail, Re-Arrested In S-Africa

LEADER of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND, Henry Okah, serving a 24-year jail term for terrorism in South Africa and four other inmates, attempted breaking jail yesterday.

Spokesman for South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services, Manelisi Wolela, who confirmed the botched effort told reporters: “I can confirm that Okah is one of the five inmates that attempted to escape and whose efforts were foiled.”

He did not give details of the attempted escape from Leeukop Prison in Northern Johannesburg that is said to have taken place last month.

Okah was convicted last year and sentenced on a 13-count charge of terrorism, including twin bombings that killed 12 people in Abuja during the country’s 50th Independence anniversary in 2010. He was arrested, tried and convicted in South Africa where he has permanent residency.