There was a mild drama today at the Federal High Court in Abuja as the alleged mastermind of the October 1, 2010 Independence Day bombing, Charles Okah, attempted to take his life.

A chieftain of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Okah is standing trial for terrorism before Justice Gabriel Kolawole. His elder brother, Henry Okah, is presently jailed in South Africa also on terrorism charges.

The drama started when Charles sought the permission of Justice Kolawole to air his views over what he termed “endless trial”, due to his lawyer’s absence in court.

Obliged of his request, the junior Okah said that he had been incarcerated for about five years now and he had a family to cater for. He further said that his children would grow up without feeling the warmth of their father.

Charles Okah, who expressed frustration about the endless trial, ended his emotional statement after about five minutes, reached for a chair in the court and quickly moved towards a window.

He was, however, overpowered by lawyers and other litigants who prevented him from breaking the louvers.

Justice Kolawole consequently adjourned the suit till October 20, 2015 for continuation of trial.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows Charles Okah in court.