Henry Okah the Leader of the defunct MEND, attempted breaking jail in South Africa

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Henry Okah, Leader of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND who is serving a 24-year jail term for terrorism in South Africa and four other inmates, attempted to escape from Leeukop Prison in Northern Johannesburg last month, according to Vanguard. Manelisi Wolela, who is the Spokesman for South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services confirmed the failed attempt. Though he did not give details of the attempted escape, he told reporters: “I can confirm that Okah is one of the five inmates that attempted to escape and whose efforts were foiled.”

Henry 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 sentenced to 24 years in prison by Judge Neels Claaseen, having found him guilty in the 13-count charge of acts of terrorism. The accused has permanent residency in South Africa so he was tried after arrest, and convicted in there. Also South Africa being a signatory to the UN Treaty on Terrorism Acts, allowed the convict to be tried in there though the events took place in Nigeria.  “All these three events were targeted at embarrassing President Goodluck Jonathan,” Mr. Claaseen said. He said these acts were very serious crimes which must be punished in accordance with the terrorism laws.