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International Freedom of Expression eXchange Clearing House
________________________________________________________________
Date: 23 August 1996

NIGERIA: Radio producer Okina Deesor detained

ORIGINATOR: Canadian Committee to Protect Journalists (CCPJ),
Toronto

Okina Deesor, a producer with Radio Rivers in Rivers state, was
arrested on 31 July 1996 and detained at the Government House
Cell, reportedly without being provided food or water. On 3
August, he was transferred to the Mobile Police Cell.

According to Major Obi Umabi, who ordered the arrest, Deesor's
detention is in connection with the 18 July broadcast on Radio
Rivers of the Ogoni national anthem.

BACKGROUND:
Ogoniland, in southern Nigeria, is an oil-rich region home to
some 500,000 Ogoni people. The Nigerian military occupies the
area -- which has been devastated by oil production -- in great
numbers, and has harassed and detained countless activists who
were fighting for a clean-up of the polluted areas of Ogoniland
as well as compensation for the Ogonis themselves. On 10 November
1995, writer and Ogoni activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged along
with eight others (see IFEX alerts).

For further information, contact CCPJ, 490 Adelaide St.W., suite
205, Toronto, Ontario M5V 1T2, Canada, tel:+1 416 703 1638,
fax:+1 416 703 7034, e-mail: ccpj@web.net

The information contained in this alert is the sole
responsibility of its originator.
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* IFEX CLEARING HOUSE                                 *
* 490 Adelaide St. W. #205 Toronto ONT M5V 1T2 CANADA *
* tel: 416-703-1638 fax: 416-703-7034                 *
* e-mail: ifex@web.net                                *
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