Nigerian ex-militant leader arrested in South Africa after Abuja bombings claims innocence

Nigerian arrested in S.Africa for Abuja bombings

JOHANNESBURG — A Nigerian ex-militant leader arrested under terror laws in South Africa says he has nothing to do with the deadly bombings in the Nigerian capital.

Ulrich Roux, an attorney with the South African firm representing Henry Okah, says Okah was arrested Saturday, a day after a dual car bombing killed at least 12 people in Nigeria. Okah was once a leader in the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, which has claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Roux says Okah “claims that he knows nothing of any of these bombings.”

Roux says Okah was arrested and jailed under South African counterterrorism legislation, but has not been charged. Okah is expected be brought to court for a preliminary hearing Monday.

Police spokeswoman Tumi Shai did not respond to a request for comment Sunday.