A coalition of Niger Delta activists has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant a presidential pardon to incarcerated militant leader Henry Okah, currently serving a 24-year prison sentence in South Africa.
The appeal was made on Wednesday in Abuja by Nengi James, a prominent Niger Delta advocate, alongside other youths under the banner of Advocates for Henry Okah. The group also urged the Nigerian government to initiate diplomatic engagement with the South African government, particularly President Cyril Ramaphosa, to facilitate Okah’s release.
Okah, a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), was arrested in South Africa in connection with the 2010 Independence Day bombing in Abuja, which claimed 12 lives. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced in 2013.
Speaking during the press briefing, James argued that Okah deserved clemency, citing the Federal Government’s reintegration of former insurgents, including members of Boko Haram, into society.
“He has spent over 15 years in incarceration. As a leader who contributed to the peace process in the Niger Delta, he should be considered for pardon just like others who have been granted clemency,” James said.
She added that Okah’s prolonged detention had negatively impacted his family, particularly his children, whose education has reportedly been disrupted.
Another advocate, Snr. Comrade Edmund Ebiware, echoed the call, stating that granting Okah a pardon would promote peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.
Ebiware also linked the appeal to broader national reconciliation efforts, noting that the reintegration of over 700 former insurgents demonstrated the government’s willingness to offer second chances.
He further argued that Okah’s release could serve as a political advantage for the Tinubu administration, potentially strengthening public support ahead of future elections.
The group extended its appeal to include other individuals allegedly linked to the 2010 bombing, including Charles Okah and Obi Nwabwueze, who they say remain incarcerated.
