Nigeria, Oct. 20 -- In September 1887, Harry Johnston, acting consul of the Oil Rivers Protectorate (Niger Delta) procured the arrest in the wharfs of the Niger Delta, King Jaja of Opobo on the rather dubious charge of "obstruction of trade". It accused King Jaja of violating a trade treaty with the British, which did not, however, have any penal provisions. The previous year, a Royal Charter granted in the name of Queen Victoria had placed the territory under the rule of the Royal Niger Company (RNC), which empowered it to "undertake and carry on the government or administration of any territories, districts, or places in Africa.." Essentially, the company was government.
After arresting him, the RNC shipped King Jaja for trial, over one ...