Nigerian rebel leader Henry Okah was released from jail on Monday after the government withdrew its case against him, a federal court judge said.

President Umaru Yar’Adua agreed to drop felony charges against Okah, who is the suspected leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), after the militant accepted the government’s “unconditional” amnesty.

One of Okah’s lawyers confirmed his client had been freed and would travel to the capital Abuja later on Monday. “We are relieved this has finally happened after more than a year,” the lawyer said

Okah was arrested in Angola in September 2007 and extradited to Nigeria to face charges carrying a possible death penalty. His deteriorating health has been an increasing concern, with his lawyers saying he needs urgent treatment overseas. – AP.

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