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Nigerian vigilante leaders freed Nigerian vigilante leaders freed
(about 10 hours later)
A Nigerian court has freed leaders of an ethnic vigilante group, accused of unlawful possession of firearms, saying it lacked the jurisdiction to try him.A Nigerian court has freed leaders of an ethnic vigilante group, accused of unlawful possession of firearms, saying it lacked the jurisdiction to try him.
Gani Adams and Frederick Fasehun, who lead rival factions of the violent Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), were arrested last year.Gani Adams and Frederick Fasehun, who lead rival factions of the violent Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), were arrested last year.
The OPC campaigns for the rights of the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria.The OPC campaigns for the rights of the Yoruba people of south-west Nigeria.
But it was banned six years ago for its alleged involvement in clashes which claimed hundreds of lives around Lagos.But it was banned six years ago for its alleged involvement in clashes which claimed hundreds of lives around Lagos.
Despite calls for their release by local rights groups, both men were denied bail while the trial lasted
The two men had been charged with operating an illegal association, amongst over offences.The two men had been charged with operating an illegal association, amongst over offences.
But Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court Abuja ruled that membership of the OPC was not a federal offence and as such could not be tried by her court.But Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court Abuja ruled that membership of the OPC was not a federal offence and as such could not be tried by her court.
Mr Adams' lawyer and colleague Festus Keyamo confirmed his client's acquittal to AFP.Mr Adams' lawyer and colleague Festus Keyamo confirmed his client's acquittal to AFP.