The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing a seven-count charge of treasonable felony filed by the Federal Government.
Kanu, whose trial restarted afresh following the reassignment of his case to Justice James Omotosho, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His case was previously handled by Justice Binta Nyako, who recused herself after being accused of bias by the defendant. The case was initially adjourned indefinitely before being reassigned by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, leading to Kanu taking a fresh plea.
At the hearing, Kanu, through his new lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), tendered a written apology to Justice Nyako and the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), for his previous courtroom outburst. Kanu admitted he was overwhelmed by emotions when his trial was adjourned indefinitely on February 10.
Agabi, in his statement, acknowledged Kanu’s frustration but emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness. He apologized to Justice Nyako and Awomolo, stressing that Kanu’s actions were driven by his commitment to the Igbo cause.
In response, Awomolo accepted the apology, stating that his role was not to persecute Kanu but to ensure the case was resolved efficiently. The prosecution then requested an adjournment to assemble witnesses for the trial.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case to April 29, May 2, and May 6 for a full trial. The court noted that Kanu’s legal battle had spanned over a decade.
Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, and granted bail on health grounds in April 2017. However, he fled the country after soldiers raided his home in Abia State. He was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and brought back to Nigeria on June 27, 2021. Since then, he has remained in custody.
In 2022, the Court of Appeal ordered his release and dismissed the charges against him, but the Federal Government challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court. On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the appellate court’s decision, allowing Kanu’s trial to continue on the remaining seven charges.
