Abiola trial put back indefinitely

Abuja - The treason trial of the Nigerian opposition leader, Moshood Abiola, was adjourned indefinitely by the federal high court after the defence made a new plea for a fair hearing.

The presiding judge, Chris Senlong, ruled that since he had already suspended the trial almost two weeks ago at the request of defence lawyers, there were no grounds currently to proceed.

Mr Abiola was in court, but was evidently suffering from severe back pain. He was detained in June, when he declared himself head of state and armed forces commander-in-chief. Last year he was presumed to have won presidential elections, but they were overruled by the military. AFP