Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Resumes With Unexpected Apology From Defence Team.
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked by an unexpected apology from his legal team.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), opened proceedings by apologising on behalf of his client. He admitted that Kanu had been angry for a long time and acknowledged that his past remarks, particularly against Justice Binta Nyako, were unjustified. The senior lawyer also extended apologies to the prosecution team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), as well as to Kanu’s own defence team, whom he had previously criticised.
“He is a good man, but we all don’t have the same perspectives. There must be room for errors, and we should strive to save rather than destroy,” Agabi pleaded.
In response, the prosecution accepted the apology, with Awomolo recognising the emotional weight of the case. He assured the court of his team’s commitment to ensuring a fair and expeditious trial.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, also acknowledged the toll the prolonged legal battle had taken on Kanu, who has been facing trial since 2015.
“When he was first arraigned, he was 47. Now, he is 57 and still uncertain about his fate. This may have led him to make some regrettable statements,” Omotosho noted while also tendering an apology on Kanu’s behalf to the prosecution.
Following this, the seven-count charge against Kanu was read out, to which he pleaded not guilty. Both the prosecution and defence confirmed their readiness to proceed with the trial, prompting the judge to grant an accelerated hearing. The case was adjourned to April 29, May 2, and May 6 for substantive proceedings.
The trial resumed under a new judge following the reassignment of the case from Justice Nyako to Justice Omotosho. This followed Kanu’s request for a change in judge, citing concerns of bias. Justice Nyako had previously withdrawn from the case on 24th September 2024, stating that she could not continue presiding over a trial where the defendant lacked confidence in the court.
The case has seen multiple reassignments over the years, with Justices Ahmed Mohammed and John Tsoho previously handling the trial before Justice Nyako took over. However, unlike in previous proceedings, Kanu remained calm throughout his re-arraignment on Friday, signalling a potential shift in approach as the trial progresses.
