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Nigeria says foiled larger plot ahead of Abuja bombs

by Reuters
Monday, 4 October 2010 11:46 GMT

ABUJA, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Nigeria's secret service said on Monday it had foiled a larger plot to detonate at least six car bombs close to key government and security buildings in Abuja days before last Friday's independence day attacks.

Two car bombs exploded near a parade in the capital marking Nigeria's 50th anniversary of independence, killing at least 10 people and injuring 36, according to police. [ID:nLDE691054]

The State Security Service (SSS) said those responsible had planned a larger attack for Wednesday Sept. 29 in which at least six car bombs were to be detonated in the "three-arm zone" made up of the presidential villa, parliament and the Supreme Court.

"The despicable act of terrorism which eventually took place on Oct. 1 was planned for Wednesday Sept. 29 but was foiled as soon as information was received during the early hours of Sept. 28," SSS spokeswoman Marilyn Ogar told a news conference.

"The over-riding objective of the group was to scare foreign visitors from attending the 50th anniversary celebrations."

The attacks were claimed by Nigeria's main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), although President Goodluck Jonathan has said investigations showed the perpetrators used the group's name as a cover.

Henry Okah, believed to have long been a senior member of MEND, was charged in South Africa on Monday with conspiracy to commit a terrorist act and the detonation of explosive devices in Abuja. [ID:nLDE6930RK]

His lawyer said Okah was not involved in the bombing.

Ogar said nine arrests had been made.

"They all have direct links with Henry Okah, the incident and some unscrupulous prominent elements in society," she said. (For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://af.reuters.com/ ) (Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Nick Tattersall; Editing by Giles Elgood)

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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