HC Deb 18 March 1997 vol 292 cc500-1W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has received on the treason charges bought against Nigerian dissidents on 12 March; and if he will make a statement; [20766]

(2) what reports he has received on (a) the cases of the Nigerian political activists charged with treason by the Nigerian authorities on 12 March and (b) the conditions in which those detained are being held. [20767]

Dr. Liam Fox

Our high commission in Lagos has reported that, on 12 March, 15 people were arraigned before a magistrates court in Lagos, four in absentia, charged with two counts of treason against the Nigerian Government. The case has been adjourned until 9 May. We have no information, at this stage, about the conditions in which the 11 Nigerian-based detainees are being held, but our high commission is following the case closely.