TREASON CHARGES

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30128, 11 May 1963, Page 13

TREASON CHARGES

Chief Loses Appeal

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, May 10.

The High Court yesterday rejected Nigerian Chief Anthony Enahoro's latest bid to avoid deportation to Lagos, where he faces charges of treasonable felony. The Lord Chief Justice (Lord Parker) said the chief's application would be refused because neither in an affidavit presented by Chief Enahoro today nor in those said to be on the way, was there, any evidence enabling the Court to interfere. Chief Enahoro had read an affidavit, by a Nigerian barrister, that two prosecution witnesses in Nigeria were being* kept in suspense to pressure them into giving unfavourable evidence against the chief. Charges against them had been adjourned on several occasions, the chief claimed. Chief Enahoro also asked for a 10-day adjournment of the hearing to enable him to produce information showing the Nigerian Government intended to prefer capital charges against him. Lord Parker said chief Enahoro's case did not come under the Extradition Act and “accordingly, the fact that other charges may be made against him, cannot affect the matter at all.” “Might Pass To Death"

Chief Enahoro had said earlier he might “pass out of the jurisdiction of this court to what well may be my death.” ,

Mrs Josephine Low. a close friend of the chief, said after: “Wfe shall endeavour to get the matter raised again in the House- of Commons this afternoon.” Chief Enahoro is also awaiting the result of a petition to ‘he Queen seeking a stav of deportation. Chief Enahoro was elected to Nigeria's Federal Parliament in 1959 as vice-presi-dent of the official opposition party. He went to Ghana las', year for political asylum and the Nigerian charges against him were filed later. The chief's five-months’ stay in British gaols results from a visit he paid to Britain last December to discuss the Nigerian political situation with contacts.