Henry Okah, the former leader of the defunct Movement for Emancipation for Niger Delta (MEND) attempted to break out of prison.
Henry Okah who was convicted and sentenced on a 13-count charge of terrorism, including bombings that killed 12 people in Abuja during the 50th Independence anniversary, is currently serving a 24 year jail term for terrorism. He was arrested, tried and jailed in South Africa where he is a permanent resident.
“I can confirm that Okah is one of the five inmates that attempted to escape and whose efforts were foiled,” Manelisi Wolela, spokesman for South Africa’s department of correctional services, told AFP.
He tried to escape alongside others serving life sentences for robbery, killing and kidnapping. Security at the prison has since been tightened.