Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed willingness to seek negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria, according to his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor.
Kanu, who has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 when he was re-arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria, is currently facing trial for terrorism-related charges before an Abuja Federal High Court.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Ejimakor informed the court of Kanu’s intentions to negotiate with the Federal Government, citing Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
Ejimakor made the announcement after moving two applications before the court: one to move for form 49 and another objecting to the court’s jurisdiction.
However, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, responded by informing the court that he does not have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government, as his fiat does not empower him to do so. Awomolo suggested that Kanu should approach the Attorney General of the Federation for negotiations.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, stated that the court’s role is to hear cases and not act as a solicitor.
The development marks a potential shift in the ongoing legal battle between Kanu and the Nigerian government, with the IPOB leader seeking a negotiated settlement through the court’s provisions.
