Thursday, 23 May 2013
Charles Okah Writes The Catholic Church From Kuje Prison Regarding October 1 2010 Bomb Blast Trials
Cjarles Okah
By Charles Okah
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I hope this letter meets you well. The reasons I choose to direct this letter to you are that I am a Catholic and you are an old boy of my alma mater, St. Gregory’s College, Lagos.
I write from Kuje Prison Abuja where two other Catholics and I have been languishing in solitary confinement for 2 years on trumped-up charges relating to the October 1, 2010 bomb attack claimed by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
My name is Charles Tonbra Okah, aka Billy Bones. On October 16, 2010 operatives of the State Security Services on a warrant invaded my residence in Apapa GRA claiming that I was the suspected spokesman for MEND using the pseudonym “Jomo Gbomo.” My eldest son, visiting from the United States where he attends the University of Kansas (KU) was also arrested.
At the SSS Headquarters Abuja where we were flown blindfolded with our legs and hands bound, my ‘cooperation’ was solicited for something completely different to my surprise. My captors threw me a lifeline; offering me freedom and a lucrative contract in exchange for false testimony against my younger brother Henry, who is resident in South Africa. I was to write a false statement claiming to have been told by Henry about the bomb plot and naming the following persons as his conspirators: Former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, Chief Timipre Sylva, and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. I bluntly refused.
To maintain pressure on me, I was told that my son would be implicated in the bomb matter, my containers of legitimate imports then at the Tin Can Port would be impounded and my business destroyed. I still did not budge, tossing their lifeline back with royal disdain.
When they realized I was not going to connive in their scheme, they became formal and reverted to the main reason for my arrest. I was asked for the MEND password, which I told them I did not know. They bound me in a chair, took off my trousers and clamped a device to my penis. My legs were then put inside a basin of water. The device when turned on passed a high voltage of electricity to my body and I lost consciousness. This was on Monday October 18 at about 6pm. When I regained consciousness, I discovered I was at the National Hospital emergency room. I remember the doctors asking why I had trauma marks on my chest where the SSS doctor performed Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The SSS operatives were evasive in answering questions at the hospital. That night I was released and taken to rest for the night at the State House Clinic. That was the last time a torture was carried out on me.
My son was eventually released after Mr. Femi Falana visited in the company of my wife after a month of being denied access to a lawyer. However, my containers have been impounded up to date and my bank account frozen.
The SSS stopped asking about the MEND password after Jomo Gbomo made another statement while I was in their custody but refused to still let me go because I did not cooperate earlier with them. Meanwhile in the ongoing trial in South Africa, the same people who say I am JG also accuse Henry of being the same Jomo Gbomo.
Double Standard in Kuje Prison:
On December 24, 2010 we were remanded in Kuje prison as a result of our application to be removed from the SSS detention cell. Unknown to us, the SSS passed instructions from “above” to the prison authorities to carry out “special treatment” in order to stampede us into a trial towards conviction. For 2 years we have been locked up in solitary confinement, are not allowed to exercise or get sunlight outside and are forced to sleep on the floor when bunk beds are available. Even a court order by Justice Gabriel Kolawole to the prison for a change in our confinement style was ignored after it was superseded by an ‘order from above.”
In late 2011, while locked up inside our cellblock, prison officials clothed in protective apparel, facemasks and gloves carried out fumigation without opening us to wait outside. Our protests fell on deaf ears and by the time they were finished we were in distress. The Youth Corper doctor on call tried her best within her limits to the emergency she was confronted with. The poisonous gas and barbaric action reminiscent of the Nazi concentration camp infamous gas chambers, eventually led to the death of one Francis Osuwo, aka Gboko, also roped into this case by the SSS and a man I have never met before. Interestingly, the four persons in detention were strangers to each other except for one Obi Nwabueze who is a family friend and close associate of Henry.
The fumigant whose chemical constituents were never relayed to us has affected my neurological system and a neurologist of the National Hospital, Professor Bwala, has put me on a daily prescription of strong neurological medication.
While the Boko Haram suspects at Kuje prison are allowed to worship in the prison mosque, we have never set foot in the prison chapel. They are also enjoying privileges such as cable television, radio, liberty to move within the prison walls, bunk beds to sleep on and phone calls to their families. We are denied all of the above.
When I asked the current Controller of FCT Command the reason for the disparity, he said “the fear of Boko Haram is the beginning of wisdom.” He further said the Moslem community was concerned about their welfare in custody.
Double Standard in the Court:
Even in the courts where justice is supposed to be blind, the double standard is glaring. While Senator Ndume, accused of being a financier to Boko Haram was given bail by the same Judge presiding over our case, we have been denied bail.
I understand that this Senator was permitted by the same court to travel on his religious obligation to Mecca for the lesser Hajj while we are refused from attending mass in a chapel less than 50 meters from our cell block.
The court is willing to permit the Senator approval to travel abroad for his medical check if he can provide proof that such check up is not done locally. Meanwhile, I have been denied my application to go on a compulsory checkup, which in my case is mandatory for a kidney donor, having donated my left kidney to my mother 30 years ago.
Our cases have been adjourned repeatedly for cruelly long durations. The last time I appeared in court was March 2012 and the next adjourned date is January 31. 2013, that is if that date will not be shifted again under a flimsy excuse.
All we ask is for a free and fair trial from an independent Judiciary that should release us instead of holding us as scapegoats over an obvious power show. While this government continues holding us hostage, our families are becoming destitute.
Our rights to freely worship as Catholics is being infringed by the state who have more respect for Islam when all religions should be treated equally.
Double Standards in the Polity:
The National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) was quoted as saying that the government of President Goodluck Jonathan has the phone numbers of suspected Boko Haram sponsors. Later the Inspector General of Police said certain individuals had been put on a “watch list” as suspected Boko Haram sponsors.
Now the big question is why did the government not simply have our phone numbers and put us also on its ‘watch list” while we move about freely? They did not hesitate to arrest us, clamp us on trumped-up charges and detain us on flimsy excuses. They did not merely talk; they took action even in South Africa where my brother was arrested since 2010. Is there a better word to describe this other than hypocrisy?
The same government eager to negotiate with Boko Haram, which claimed responsibility for over 100 attacks where Catholics have suffered the brunt, have refused to negotiate with MEND and continue to delude themselves that all is well.
Why would this government expect Boko Haram to unmask it leaders and negotiate when they can see that perceived leaders and supporters of MEND are being persecuted and jailed?
I welcome a fact-finding visit from the Church in the company of credible Human Rights groups to verify our allegations.
On the two occasions Kuje Prison was visited by the Bishop of Abuja during the Christmas of 2010 and 2011, he was surreptitiously steered away from where were we are held hostage and I believe he has no idea of what is going in inside Kuje prison.
Our prayers is that leaders of our churches will be more sensitive and proactive in politics of the land that touches the lifes of their followers and not leave delicate issues solely in the hands of corrupt and selfish politicians, and majority of the population rid of a “Potiphar” mentality who believe lies when told by SSS.
May God save our beloved country!
Yours Sincerely,
Charles T. Okah
Charles T. Okah
Single Cell Block
Kuje Prison
Abuja, Nigeria.
His Eminence
Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie
c/o Catholic Church Secretariat
Lagos, Nigeria.
November 19, 2012
CC: Pope Benedict, Vatican, Rome
Catholic Bishop of Abuja Diocese, Abuja FCT
“I…was…sick…and in prison, and you visited me.”
-Mathew 25. 35, 36
Comments
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Injustice
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 11, 2012 - 03:09.
One thing is certain, no one should be considered guilty until they have had their day in court. People are so easy to throw stones even when they don't even know or have evidence that points that this man is guilty as charged. Judge his case or release him.
I have no faith in Nigeria. I pray Nigeria proves me wrong and gives justice to her citizens.
MEND fights for true a cause. People have a right to support the cause. There is a reason why the alliance was formed. Look into it Mr. President and release innocent people and remember that the people in the Niger Delta have been affected drastically by all these.
It takes a real man to stand for justice, in a country where there is absolutely no justice. I believe Charles is innocent. Judge him or let him go!
Na Lie!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 17:11.
This is a cooked-up story, abeg. If Mr. Henry is denied newspapers, radio, cables, etc. how did he know about Sambo Dasuki, the recently appointed NSA? Those plotting agains the Muslim ummah will very soon be exposed. We are watching. The chicken will very soon come to roost.
Appeal to emotion/religion!!!
Submitted by Shaka dZulu (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 16:09.
Good case Charles! But don't play the ethnic card
The logician L.C. Archie classifies this thinking as "the fallacy committed when pity or a related emotion.. is appealed to for the sake of getting a conclusion accepted"
An example of this he gave as when a traffic violator says:
"Oh Officer, there's no reason to give me a traffic ticket for going to fast b/c I was just on my way to the hospital to see my wife who is in serious condition to tell her I just lost my job & the car will be repossessed"
Appeal to emotion/religion!!!
Submitted by Shaka dZulu (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 16:07.
Good case Charles! But don't play the ethnic card
The logician L.C. Archie classifies this thinking as "the fallacy committed when pity or a related emotion.. is appealed to for the sake of getting a conclusion accepted"
An example of this he gave as when a traffic violator says:
"Oh Officer, there's no reason to give me a traffic ticket for going to fast b/c I was just on my way to the hospital to see my wife who is in serious condition to tell her I just lost my job & the car will be repossessed"
Metarmophosis of DERI!?
Submitted by Mc (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 15:43.
I had a feat of laughter. Deri that hadn't seen anything wrong with GEJ's maladministration of Nigeria is now being objective for once! Wonders shall never end. With this recent metarmophosis of Deri, there's hope dat we shall live to see the two attack dogs -Doyin and Abati- turn and attack their paymaster someday.
INJUSTICE ABOUND EVERYWHERE HERE IN NIGERIA
Submitted by Awake (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 15:41.
Let us assume that the MEND actual threw a bomb at Abuja because they were said to have claimed responsibly for the action. Even despite the stout insistence of President Jonathan that they were not the culprit, the MEND's "Jomo Gbomo" was on top of its voice that MEND was responsible. Even so then, that years after the singular event, Islamists have mastered the terrain very well that they now throw bombs like pebbles. My contribution is now this. Why should the arrested people languish without a successful trial for years? It is only because of four things:
1. Corruption in the system;
2. MEND as it is has no Godfathers unlike the Islamists Boko Haram;
3. the present government of the day's ego not to be seen as soft on SS;
4. There might be no evidence to successfully try them, hence hold them perpetually until they die in captivity;
The country called Nigeria is terribly wounded and bleeding so save us God.
INJUSTICE ABOUND EVERYWHERE HERE IN NIGERIA
Submitted by Awake (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 15:38.
Let us assume that the MEND actual threw a bomb at Abuja because they were said to have claimed responsibly for the action. Even despite the stout insistence of President Jonathan that they were not the culprit, the MEND's "Jomo Gbomo" was on top of its voice that MEND was responsible. Even so then, that years after the singular event, Islamists have mastered the terrain very well that they now throw bombs like pebbles. My contribution is now this. Why should the arrested people languish without a successful trial for years? It is only because of four things:
1. Corruption in the system;
2. MEND as it is has no Godfathers unlike the Islamists Boko Haram;
3. the present government of the day's ego not to be seen as soft on SS;
4. There might be no evidence to successfully try them, hence hold them perpetually until they die in captivity;
The country called Nigeria is terribly wounded and bleeding so save us God.
Appeal to emotion/religion
Submitted by Shaka dZulu (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 14:52.
Better advance the merits of your case rather than play the religion card.
For Nig police sabi law pass Oga lawyer.
A man caught hanging on a bus engaged the police thus: "But Oga, what of these people & that policeman hanging" The officer retorted, "You sabi law abi? Ok, those ones don escape, but you! I don catch you. Sey you no commit?"
Mr C, face yours.
Do you think you've a better chance of 'escaping' if you swap places? Even if it were true, would these tangential evidences help your case!
I don't know U but I Believe
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 10:56.
I don't know U but I Believe U Are d idiot and bastard. Is that d way to treat a human being that has not be confirmed as a criminal. God will wipe all u that are in the process of inequality all of u will not have rest.
Pappie, when will u pple grow
Submitted by Josh (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 09:52.
Pappie, when will u pple grow up? see u call urself a christian....? u ar only worshiping ur GO.... a church that revolves around an individual, how there u make such asertion about the universal "Holy Catholic and Apostolic church" Who knows ur so called church outside the shores of Nigeria aside d Nigerians living there? There is a critical issue on ground and u are here potraying denominational sentiments.. Pls go and get urself more informed when it comes things of religion.
Deri Deri
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 08:57.
Deri condenming GEJ?wonders shall never end.i hope deri ll henceforth understand dat leadership is nt abt where u r from bt wat u can do for d nation
Why this North/south inequity even in prison?
Submitted by FiReClOuD OfGoD (not verified) on December 10, 2012 - 02:40.
"While the Boko Haram suspects at Kuje prison are allowed to worship in the prison mosque, we have never set foot in the prison chapel. They are also enjoying privileges such as cable television, radio, liberty to move within the prison walls, bunk beds to sleep on and phone calls to their families. We are denied all of the above."
Why this North/south inequity even in prison?
GEJ let you law enforcement agencies and justice system convict or acquit Charles Okah. This is grossly unjust. If the SSS have no case release him until you can build a case against him!
@papie, what a crap
Submitted by Felix (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 21:31.
@papie...what a crap you are, making such an unreflective remarks on a church that has been there through thick and thin for Nigerians in favor of those 'CEO' who sold gej to Nigerians. If you are so devoid of facts of historical analysis of defence of human rights and the Catholic church, it's better you go home and ask those older than you, instead of coming this far to expose yourself to ridicule...The man who wrote the letters knows the man you refer to resides in Nigeria and has gone for those he is convinced of. No wonder you weren't that proud to use your name. Better enter the kitchen now and finish with your chores...bigot
Is this d same deri? Wonders
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 21:11.
Is this d same deri? Wonders shall never end
It could be true
Submitted by Muyiwa111 (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 20:44.
“The belief that there is only one truth, and that oneself is in possession of it, is the root of all evil in the world”
This Guy is a Liar and a DEVIL
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 20:27.
This idiot is a big liar. If what he wrote is true how did he come about the paper, pen and freedom to write the fallacies he fabricated to whip sentiments. How did he remember dates, days and time when he was confined in solitude. How did he know what other people were doing and the nature of their crimes in the prison.such a criminal should be sentenced to date. Up President Jonathan for putting criminals like this idiot behind bars. You will die there useless bastard.
Very depressing. I hate my
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 20:07.
Very depressing. I hate my country
Believe this, believe anything
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 19:08.
Believe the content of this letter, believe anything.
This beats me o!. Why can't
Submitted by mr. Reality (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 19:02.
This beats me o!. Why can't you see beyond the believe that the "North" is the source of all your travails. Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is in charge, this is not in doubt, but yet when He commits an obvious wrong you choose to blame it on the North. You really need to try harder to fight your emotions, lest you start creating imaginary thoughts for yourself and making it reality.
Just last week, there was a report that the South African court alleged the Nigerian Government is doing everything possible to frustrate the ongoing trial. Perhaps Dr. Goodluck has something to hide!!!,
The North is in no way controlling Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, He has been doing his will, and everyone knows that.
Comments
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 18:37.
Comments please from concerned persons
***********PLEASE RELEASE CHARLES ORKAH*****************
Submitted by Pappie (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 18:29.
Wa oh! Don't know what to say here. I am an RCCG member and I will get Past Adeboye to intervene.
The Catholics are not bothered because their hands have been greased.
. PFN rise to be the voice of the oppressed.
This man has been in custody since..
Human rights organisations and freedom fighters where are you????
Even our boy that wanted to bomb USA is well treated where he is
Please Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie intervene for once before this man will be wasted.
I Weep for Nigeria. I weep for her future. My tears are dried. There is hopelessness.
Is there God in heaven??? Why did you create Nigeria???
The question is would the
Submitted by DERI (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 18:22.
The question is would the parasites controlling and destroying Jonathan, allow him free Okah? The whole thing is not about Jonathan-who is presently being deceived by the hawks from the old region now in charge of aso rock-. That is why Nigeria would never develop no matter what we do until we split-all these occasional talks about our unity even with the election of Jonah by the commoners, does not mean a thing to them-MEND made a terrible mistake via its leadership structure when they allowed the demons that stole us blind in the SS, take control of their destiny in the Niger Delta-Amaechi, dickson, uduaghan and the latest certificate forger Adams are not interested in what becomes of the ppl of the SS. We can all die or perish in d flood prone plains of the SS, for all they care-what hope is there in a system where family members of the president cannot reach him for help!? Is it MEND dat can?
God is watching us.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 18:18.
God is watching us.
D Fulanis will either hang or jail Jonah after his tenure-
Submitted by DERI (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 18:08.
Funny we have an Ijaw man languishing in jail during the govt of another Ijaw man-when Buhari freed Uba Ahmed from jail, 9jas said nothing-he allowed one Mohamed Dantata who was handed over to him by the USA over drugs, to regain his freedom-Alhaji alhaji was also freed by buhari for money laundering. Cause they share the same fulani tribal marks-but here we are in 9ja where boko haram is killing to enable them install buhari as presido-yet not a single high profile member of boko haram is in jail. I did warn MEND not to play into the hands of our detractors in the Niger Delta-rather than acquire economic power and education-they like the governors we have in the zone, aligned with the very parasites that hanged Kensarowiwa and killed Boro! Any SS man, who thinks he or she will be treated differently from Jonah must have his head examined!
An indictable offence of torture
Submitted by Danboyi Gomsuk (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 17:31.
Time is drawing close when some Nigerian operatives, the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti called zombies, would face the rap of torture at the International Criminal Court (ICC). From the story told by Charles Okah, one could detect that the Nigerian authorities are holding this suspect without any serious charge against him. Now the Nigerian authorities have three persons called Jomo Gbomo! How preposterous! That shows the prosecution could not adequately make any solid case against Charles Okah because a doubt has arisen, and this doubt must be in favour of the suspect. So why are the authorities still holding Charles prisoner without any solid evidence of a crime? The statement credited to the Nigerian authorities that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of Boko Haram is charged with cryptic interpretations. Are the authorities 'from above' sacrificing Christians in order to be in power? That must be very unconscionable and a sin crying to Heaven for vengeance!
GEJ this is very BAD of YOU
Submitted by Pst.Ope (not verified) on December 9, 2012 - 17:24.
Mr.president jonathan,am very sad,that you can behave this way,this is very unlike you,its very bad of you to treat your own people this way,all nigerian christian leaders should rise up and talk now,FATHER MATHEW KUKA,OLUBUMI OKOJIE &the restS should pls.say something now.
