In a 16 June 1997 interview with the DIRB, executed human rights activist Ken Saro Wiwa's brother, who is a prominent member of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), and now resident in Toronto, stated that he was unaware of any demonstrations in Owerri following the execution of Ken Saro Wiwa on 10 November 1995. He explained that people were afraid to hold demonstrations because the government had deployed troops throughout the country. He stated that there was a mass demonstration in Ogoniland on 4 January 1996, and again on 10 November 1996 in Ogoniland and Port Harcourt to mark the first anniversary of Ken Saro Wiwa's death. He further stated that a candlelight vigil was held in somebody's house in Owerri on 10 November 1996.

According to three Reuters reports, the National Conscience Party (NCP) and students of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife state in southwestern Nigeria staged a campus demonstration to protest the executions of Ken Saro Wiwa and eight of his Ogoni tribesmen (4 Dec.1995; 5 Dec.1995). For additional information on this demonstration, please consult the attached documents.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), Toronto. 16 June 1997. Telephone interview with member.

Reuters. 5 December 1995. BC Cycle. "Nigerian Students Protest Over Saro-Wiwa Hanging." (NEXIS)

____. 5 December 1995. BC Cycle. James Jukwey. "Nigerian Students Protest Over Saro-Wiwa Hanging." (NEXIS)

_____. 4 December 1997. BC Cycle. Eniwoke Ibagere. "Nigerian Party Plans Rally to Protest Hangings." (NEXIS)

Reuters. 5 December 1995. BC Cycle. "Nigerian Students Protest Over Saro-Wiwa Hanging." (NEXIS)

____. 5 December 1995. BC Cycle. James Jukwey. "Nigerian Students Protest Over Saro-Wiwa Hanging." (NEXIS)

_____. 4 December 1997. BC Cycle. Eniwoke Ibagere. "Nigerian Party Plans Rally to Protest Hangings." (NEXIS)