Okah faces charges of engaging in terrorist activities, conspiracy to do so, and delivering, placing and detonating an explosive device.
Okah is suspected to have been the mastermind behind the October 1 Independence Day car bombs in Abuja.
Okah, last week, applied for refugee status because he was living illegally in South Africa, the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court was told.
In opposing Okah’s bail application, state prosecutor, Shaun Abrahams, said Okah applied for refugee status as he was living illegally in South Africa.
"He is also afraid that Nigerian authorities may apply for his extradition,” Abrahams said in closing argument in Okah's bail application.
He said that the state had a strong case and was confident that Okah would be convicted when the matter went to trial.
The investigation into Okah’s permit started when he was arrested on October 2.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s home affairs department is keeping a close watch at the bail application of Okah, as it doubted his legality in the country, a spokesperson said, on Tuesday.
“We have reason to believe that there is a need to investigate further his permit in the country,” departmental spokesperson, Ronnie Mamoepa, told South African Press Ass
Mamoepa refused to comment on whether the presence of his department’s inspectors at Okah’s bail hearing was an indication that home affairs wanted to arrest him if he was granted bail.
“Home affairs is there (at the court) as a friend of the court.”
Source: http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/13465-bail-application-okah-knows-fate-today
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