By Ishaya Ibrahim
Acting News Editor
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has said that the 10 leaders of Southern Cameroon being held in Nigeria by the Department of State Services (DSS) would soon be released.
The leaders are the arrowheads for the creation of Ambazonian Republic, a secessionist movement seeking for the independence of Southern Cameroon, the English speaking part of the country.
The agitation had often led to bloody clashes with Cameroonian security agencies, forcing the arrowheads to flee Cameroon to neighbouring countries, including Nigeria.
On January 6, they were arrested by agents of the DSS in a gestapo style. Falana, who is also their legal counsel, had on January 11 threatened legal action if they were not released from custody or arraigned in a court of law within 48 hours.
On January 17, TheNiche asked Falana in a telephone interview if he had already gone to court. “I haven’t gone to court because I’m in a positive talks with the government (of Nigeria) to secure their release,” he said.
He added that diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram was a factor why he delayed court action.
“Having regards with the situation in the fight against Boko Haram whereby both countries are cooperating, we are trying to see whether we can resolve the problem amicably,” he said.
The 10 Cameroonian citizens being held in Nigeria are Julius Ayuk Tabe; Wilfred Tassang; Dr. Nfor Ngala Nfor; Professor Augustine Awasom; Dr. Cornelius Kwanga; Dr. Henry Kimeng; Elias Eyambe Esq; Nalova Bih Esq; Dr. Ojong Okongo; and Fidelis Nde Che.
