JOS, Nigeria, Sept 19 (Reuters) - The suspected leader of Nigeria's main militant group in the oil-producing Niger Delta was taken to hospital for medical treatment, a defence lawyer said on Friday.

A trial court judge ordered state security officers to take Henry Okah, who is in jail for gun-running and treason, to an undisclosed hospital after defence lawyers said he was suffering from "kidney complications," said Femi Falana, one of Okah's lawyers.

Okah, believed to be the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), still commands loyalty from several well-armed factions in the delta. He could face the death penalty if convicted. (For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: http://africa.reuters.com/ ) (Reporting by Shuaibu Mohammed; Writing by Randy Fabi; Editing by Tume Ahemba)

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