Saharareporter’s correspondent has learned that the attack on the Atlas Cove jetty in Lagos (for which the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta has claimed responsibility) would have been averted but for the failure of the Attorney General of Federation, Michael Aondoakaa to carry out an order given by Umaru Yar'adua on his arrival in Italy to attend the G8 summit. A source close to Yar’adua said the Nigerian ruler came under instant pressure from Western nations over continued crippling of oil infrastructure in Nigeria's Niger Delta region by MEND.
After pledging to take immediate steps to stem such destruction, Yar'adua reportedly instructed Attorney General Michael Aondoakaa to file a nolle prosequi in court to end the trial of captured MEND leader, Henry Okah. Yar’adua also wanted Okah released from detention before his arrival from Rome from the G8 summit.
However, a source told saharareporters that Aondoakaa had already made plans to embark on a business trip with controversial businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, in a private jet to Sao Tome. Since Aondoakaa could not be reached, the job of handling Okah’s release fell to the Federal Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Aliyu who met with Henry Okah and his lawyers on Friday to discuss terms of his amnesty.
Aondoakaa, who returned to Nigeria last night from Sao Tome, could not attend a high level security meeting with Henry Okah's lawyers in Abuja. The meeting, which started around 4: 00 PM, was attended by the directors general of the State Security Services, National Intelligence Agency, the Minister of Internal Affairs, the National Security Adviser, the Director of Public Prosecution, as well Femi Falana and Wilson Ajuwa, both lawyers to Okah.
The DPP is expected to file a discontinuation of trial motion at the Federal High Court in Jos on Monday, clearing the way for Okah's release later tomorrow.
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