Nigerian separatists face treason charge

ABUJA, Nigeria, March 7 (UPI) -- Nigerian prosecutors have charged two leaders of a separatist movement in the Niger Delta with treason.

Henry Okah and Edward Atatah, leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, could face the death penalty if convicted, This Day reported. In addition to treason, they are charged with terrorism and bringing large quantities of firearms into the country.

They were arrested in Angola in December. They allegedly went to Luanda to buy a fishing vessel for $670,000 to use as a gun-running vessel.

Charges were brought against Okah before his extradition, prosecutors said.

When they were arrested, the two men said they wanted the fishing boat for a commercial venture.

A judge ruled that the Okah and Atatah must be allowed to see their lawyers.