27 June 1995

NIGERIA : ARREST OF GENERAL OBASANJO

Australia calls on the Nigerian Government to explain the basis for the continuing detention of former Nigerian President and member of the Commonwealth Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on South Africa, General (retired) Olusegun Obasanjo.

General Obasanjo was arrested and detained at his home outside Lagos on 13 March 1995 and to date no satisfactory reason has been given by the Nigerian Government for this action. On 13 June 1995 General Obasanjo was moved from house arrest to an unknown detention centre.

Through his work on the EPG, General Obasanjo has been a significant figure in the international community's efforts to assist the struggle for a democratic non-racial South Africa.

General Obasanjo's arrest and interrogation are a matter of concern. His arrest has been confirmed by the Nigerian head of State, General Abacha, to diplomats in Lagos.

In March 1995 my department summoned the Nigerian High Commissioner twice to advise him of the Government's concern about General Obasanjo's arrest.

Unconfirmed reports emanating from Nigeria in the last few days indicate that General Obasanjo, and his former deputy, General Yar'Adua, have already appeared before the special military tribunal to answer charges of complicity in an alleged plot to overthrow the Nigerian Government.

In light of these reports, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade today again called in the Nigerian High Commissioner to seek details of any charges which might be pending against General Obasanjo. I have instructed Australia's High Commissioner in Lagos to seek details from the Nigerian Government about the case and to express Australia's concern at the way it was being handled.

CANBERRA