The head of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has officially apologized to the Federal High Court before Judge Binta Nyako and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Adegboyega Awomolo for his inappropriate behavior during the previous hearing concerning the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.
The leader of IPOB asked for pardon and vowed to maintain proper behavior during the course of his trial.
Kanu’s apology was included in an extensive statement read out by his chief lawyer and ex-Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), as well as Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Agabi, SSN.
During the emotionally charged address, Kanu earnestly implored Justices Nyako and Awomolo to pardon and overlook his aggressive remarks and assaults directed at them during the public hearing.
Kanu had reasons to feel enraged, Agabi stated, yet he should not have voiced his thoughts when his temper got the better of him.
When venting his rage, he criticized the federal high court, targeted Justice Binta Nyako, condemned the prosecutor, and even lashed out at his own attorneys. I would like to extend my apologies to Justice Binta Nyako; she didn’t merit such an unfair assault. Additionally, I owe an apology to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He merits the utmost respect, yet he was unfairly disparaged without hesitation.
NJC dismisses claim of Nnamdi Kanu's release; new judge sets March 21 for his trial. Federal High Court denies reports about the Chief Judge recusing themselves from Nnamdi Kanu’s case."We might harbor doubts, yet we should strive for forgiveness. As we address our disagreements, let’s use peace rather than violence to settle our differences," Agabi implored.
In a short statement, Awomolo SAN mentioned being touched by the request and has pardoned Kanu for everything said against him. He added that instead of being a persecutor, he acts as a prosecutor aiming to expedite the resolution of the charges.
On Friday, during his new hearing for the IPOB leadership role, the accused pleaded not guilty to seven counts of terrorism accusations. These allegations pertain to purported threats against Nigeria’s unity and running an unauthorized radio station used to disseminate Biafran propaganda, as leveled by the federal government.
Kanu's new appearance before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja took place with stringent security measures implemented by agents from the Department of State Services (DSS).
Following the plea, the lead prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court of his preparedness to proceed with the prosecution adhering strictly to both the intent and specifics outlined in the Supreme Court’s directive for a new trial.
He requested a postponement to allow time for gathering his witnesses and additionally sought an expedited hearing, which the court approved.
In light of the request and without objection from the defense team headed by Chief Kanu AgABI, SAN, Justice James Omotosho scheduled the trial for April 29 and May 2 and 6, 2025.
Kanu, who was brought back to the country in June 2021 from Kenya had since been in the custody of the DSS on the order of court, also conceded to speedy trial of the charges against him.
In a letter dated March 4, 2025, which was sent to Kanu’s principal attorney, Aloy Ejimakor, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, notified them about the transfer of the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho.
Following the request from Kanu and his legal counsel for the relocation of the seven-count terrorism charge to a different judge due to claims of prejudice, the case was reassigned.
On September 24, 2024, Justice Nyako stepped aside from the case and forwarded the files to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment. She stated her inability to continue with a trial due to the defendant’s lack of confidence in the judicial process.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who was promoted to the Court of Appeal, along with Justice John Tsoho (prior to his appointment as Chief Judge), initially handled Kanu’s case. However, after the defendant refused these two judges, the trial was reassigned to Justice Nyako.
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