Obasanjo 'to help' Kuti death probe

Obasanjo was military head from 1976 to 1979

President Olusegun Obasanjo will appear before Nigeria's human rights panel if summoned over the 1977 death of the mother of Afro-beat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

If he is summoned, he will appear, definitely

Obasanjo spokesman

President Obasanjo, who was military head of state from 1976-79, has been named in a petition to the commission, which is headed by retired Judge Chikwudifu Oputa.

The president's spokesman, Doyin Okupe, said "if he (Obasanjo) is summoned, he will appear, definitely."

The Kuti family blames President Obasanjo for ordering the 1977 raid on Kuti's home in Lagos, which resulted in the death of Funmilay Ransome-Kuti.

The Nigerian panel, modelled on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, began its hearings last month into violations of human rights dating back to 1966.

'Unknown soldier'

Fela Kuti was the target of the fatal raid

Mr Okupe said he was not aware of any summons issued to date, but said the presidency was aware of reports that the president was likely to be called for the hearing due next week.

During the 1977 raid, Mrs Ransome-Kuti was thrown out of an upstairs window. She died months later from her injuries.

An inquiry ordered by the regime blamed the killing on an "unknown soldier".

Fela Kuti, who was the target of the raid, led a march to the presidency carrying the coffin bearing his mother.

The march ended in a riot after soldiers turned away the protestors.

President Obasanjo has already appeared before the commission to answer questions about his three-year detention under the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha.

Abiola no-show

Abiola: Died in detention

A hearing into the detention of the late Moshood Abiola - the apparent winner of the 1993 presidential polls - was postponed after the family failed to show up.

Kola Abiola, the son of the late politician, and his doctor, Ore Falomo, had asked the commission to look into the cancellation of the 1993 polls and Mr Abiola's detention without trial.

Mr Abiola, a multi-millionaire businessman, died four years after he was arrested and detained by the Abacha's regime.

A lawyer for the petitioners told the panel they had not been aware the case was to be heard.

It was postponed to the 27 November.