From Victor Osula, Abuja
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has again pleaded not guilty to fresh terrorism charges.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism preferred against him by the Federal Government, following an order of the Supreme Court, which on December 15, 2023, vacated the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Abuja.
The appellate court had on October 13, 2022, quashed the terrorism and treason charges against Kanu and ordered his immediate release from detention.
Kanu has been in the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 27, 2021 when he was extradited to Nigeria after he was re-arrested in Kenya on June 19,
Earlier, Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the case, after Kanu demanded that she hands off the case, claiming he no longer has confidence in the judge’s ability to ensure fair hearing.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had re-assigned Justice James Omotosho to continue the trial.
However, upon re-arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, Kanu maintained his innocence. He pleaded not guilty to the seven-count terrorism charge bordering on alleged threat to Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating illegal radio station to broadcast the Biafra messages.
Following the plea, Justice Omotosho fixed April 29 and May 2 and 6, 2025 for trial.
Meanwhile, Kanu has formally apologised to Justice Nyako and Prosecution Counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, over his misconduct at the last proceedings of his trial.
The IPOB leader pleaded for forgiveness and promised to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.
Kanu’s apology was contained in a prepared speech delivered through his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN. He pleaded with Justice Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his outburst and attacks against them in the open court.
“In expressing his anger, he attacked the federal high court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers. I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He deserves highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.
“We may have misgivings but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences”, Agabi pleaded.
In a brief remark, Awomolo SAN said he was moved by the plea and has forgiven Kanu for all he said against him, adding that he was not a persecutor but prosecutor and will work to ensure quick resolution of the charges.
