The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was re-arraigned on Friday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the hearing, Kanu’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, announced his appearance for Kanu, while Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) represented the Federal Government. Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho was assigned the case after Justice Binta Nyako, who had previously presided over the matter, recused herself following Kanu’s request for a new judge. Justice Nyako’s recusal, made on September 24, 2024, followed allegations of bias raised by Kanu and his legal team, who sought the transfer of the case to another judge.
Kanu was initially arrested on October 14, 2015, upon his return to Nigeria from the United Kingdom. He was granted bail in 2017 on health grounds after being detained at the Kuje Correctional Facility, but later jumped bail and fled to the United Kingdom. Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021, extradited to Nigeria, and has since been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Following Kanu’s request for a new judge and the intervention of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the case was reassigned to Justice Omotosho.
During the hearing, Agabi began by offering an apology on behalf of Kanu, stating, “They are now at a place where they must apologize to Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecution team, and his legal team.” Agabi acknowledged Kanu’s long-standing frustration and admitted that the attacks on Justice Nyako, his defense team, and the Federal Government’s counsel were unjustified.
Agabi described Kanu as a good man, emphasizing the importance of understanding that anger should not dictate one’s words and actions. He appealed for forgiveness from those Kanu had offended, including the court and his legal team.
In response, the prosecution accepted the apology and expressed their commitment to ensuring an expeditious trial. Awomolo also acknowledged the tension surrounding the case.
Justice Omotosho remarked on the toll the prolonged trial may have taken on Kanu, noting, “When the defendant was arraigned in 2015, he was 47. Now, he is 57 and still uncertain about his future. This may have led him to make comments that were not right.”
The judge also offered an apology to the prosecution on behalf of Kanu.
The seven-count charge was then read to Kanu, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution confirmed their readiness to proceed with the trial, which the defense team did not oppose.
Justice Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing, given the case has been ongoing for nearly 10 years. The matter was adjourned to April 29, May 2, and May 6 for further trial proceedings.
As part of Kanu’s apology, Agabi read the following statement aloud in open court:
“We may have reason to be angry, but we must be careful about what we say when we are angry. That is why we are urged not to sail in a storm. The defendant, Nnamdi Kanu, was angry. He has been angry for a long time, and therefore, he should not have spoken when he was angry. But he did, and he said the wrong things. He attacked the court, he attacked the prosecutor, and he attacked his own lawyers.
“For that reason, he has authorized me to apologize on his behalf. He is sorry for his attacks on the judge, the prosecutor, and his defense team.
“I apologize to Hon. Justice Binta Nyako. She is one of our best and most respected judges, and she did not deserve the attacks upon her. I apologize to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, and leader of the senior advocates in Abuja. Chief Awomolo has since distinguished himself by his humility and dedication to the profession, and he deserves our highest respect.
“I apologize to Nnamdi Kanu’s defense team, whom he criticized without reservation. It is a credit to them that they still agree to defend him. He acted in anger, but by behaving that way, he has only harmed himself more than anyone else. I appeal to all those he offended to forgive him.
“I think of him as a good man. We cannot all be of one mind, but I respect the fact that when he felt the need to disagree, he did so courageously. Likewise, I respect the government’s actions when he exceeded the bounds of the law.
“Like all men, he is not perfect. He represents the cause of the Igbos, a resilient, forward-looking, hardworking, and intelligent people. We must strive for a more united, efficient, and peaceful nation. We must all work ceaselessly for peace and unity, as no price is too great to pay for peace. True peace will only come when we are willing to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, and add our coat when our cloak is taken.”
