This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6599133.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Wanted Nigeria governor wins case Wanted Nigeria governor wins case
(about 3 hours later)
Nigeria's Supreme Court has ruled that impeached Plateau State governor Joshua Dariye be reinstated immediately.Nigeria's Supreme Court has ruled that impeached Plateau State governor Joshua Dariye be reinstated immediately.
His impeachment last November by eight of Plateau's 24-member state house of assembly was illegal, the court said.His impeachment last November by eight of Plateau's 24-member state house of assembly was illegal, the court said.
The judgement has sparked rejoicing in Jos among supporters of Mr Dariye, who has been on the run since last year.The judgement has sparked rejoicing in Jos among supporters of Mr Dariye, who has been on the run since last year.
Mr Dariye skipped UK bail three years ago, after money-laundering claims. He was accused of embezzling nearly $9m of public funds.Mr Dariye skipped UK bail three years ago, after money-laundering claims. He was accused of embezzling nearly $9m of public funds.
It is not clear when Mr Dariye will return to Plateau State capital, Jos.It is not clear when Mr Dariye will return to Plateau State capital, Jos.
But his spokesman Yakubu Datti told the BBC's News website that Mr Dariye "is ready to return to Jos as soon as his security aides are restored."
Religious clashes
Mr Dariye was first suspended from office for six months in 2004 after President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in the state.
Mr Obasanjo said the governor had failed to contain religious and ethnic clashes that claimed some 1,000 lives.
Although he was later reinstalled as governor, Mr Dariye got into fresh trouble in September 2004 when the London Metropolitan Police arrested him for alleged money laundering.
Mr Dariye skipped UK bail and returned to Nigeria where legislators impeached him for the same charges in November last year.
A high court later nullified his sacking and ordered his reinstament.
But his deputy Michael Botmang, who succeeded him, appealed against the decision of the court and lost.
Unhappy with the outcome of the appeal, Mr Botmang headed for the Supreme Court which also ruled that Mr Dariye should be reinstated.
"We are a law-abiding government. We won't stay a day longer than necessary," said Mr Botmang's spokesman.