/ 10 November 1999

OBASANJO RELEASES DETAINEES

NIGERIAN President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday approved the immediate release of hundreds of detainees who have been awaiting trial in the country for more than two years. The release order, however, excludes all those been detained for murder, robbery, rape, fraud and forgery. Shortly after he was sworn in in May, Obasanjo ordered the release of about 1400 prisoners in keeping with his vowed commitment to the protection of the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians.