Security operatives attached to Justice Gabriel Kolawole at the Federal High Court, Abuja, today prevented Charles Okah, the alleged mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombing from committing suicide in court. Charles Okah, who is standing trial on charges of terrorism, requested the permission of the judge to speak after he realized that his lawyer was absent in court. The judge granted the oral application and permitted him to speak for five minutes. According to the Guardian, Okah said
“I have been incarcerated for about five years now and I have a family to cater for. My children would grow up without feeling the warmth of their father and I am tired of this endless trial. I really do not know what I have done to be treated this way. Is it not better to die than to wait and be messed up this way?”
Immediately after he ended his speech, he made the suicide attempt by grabbing a chair in the court and quickly moved toward a window on third floor of the five storey building and attempted to jump down. However, Security immediately responded by pulling him back. They were assisted by lawyers and others. Consequently, Justice Kolawole adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for continuation of trial.