HC Deb 20 December 1962 vol 669 cc219-20W
67. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if Her Majesty's Government will grant political asylum to Chief Anthony Enahoro, at present in this country, whose return to Nigeria has been requested by the Nigerian Government on political charges.

Mr. Brooke

Enahoro was arrested under the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881, on a warrant issued by a Metropolitan Magistrate following an application made on behalf of the Nigerian Government. He was committed at Bow Street Magistrates' Court on 13th December for return to Nigeria, but I understand that he is applying to the Divisional Court for leave to issue a writ of habeas corpus, so that his case is still sub judice. It is only after the judicial proceedings have been finally concluded and if the decision of the magistrate has been upheld that it will be open to me, if I think it just, to order Enahoro's return. Before making any order I shall take carefully into account all relevant considerations.