Nnamdi Kanu Condemns South-East Killings; See the New Negotiation he seeks from Federal Government
By Deborah Musa, Gbenga Oloniniran, and Ikenna Obianeri
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), publicly denounced the violence occurring in the South-East linked to the group’s secessionist activities. He also called for an out-of-court resolution to his ongoing treason trial with the Federal Government.
Kanu, who has been detained since his re-arrest in Kenya and subsequent return to Nigeria in 2021, made these remarks during his trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
In a viral video, Kanu condemned the killings related to IPOB’s agitation for Igbo separation from Nigeria. Speaking to his lawyers, he stated, “I condemn any manner of killing. IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle and we maintain that up till this very day. I don’t want anybody to die. We are fighting for freedom, then how can we fight death at the same time?”
During court proceedings, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, urged Justice Binta Nyako and prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to consider an out-of-court settlement. Ejimakor highlighted issues with the Department of State Services (DSS), which allegedly bugged Kanu’s cell, hampering private legal discussions.
Ejimakor requested the court to invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, advocating for reconciliation and an amicable settlement. He noted that while he had discussed this with the prosecution counsel, the response was that the timing was not yet appropriate.
In response, Awomolo clarified that the decision for an out-of-court settlement rests with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and not with the prosecution team. He advised Kanu’s team to approach the AGF for such negotiations.
Justice Nyako expressed no objection to Kanu’s request for an out-of-court settlement and advised him to seek discussions with the AGF. She also ordered the DSS to provide an unbugged space for Kanu to meet with his lawyers.
Regarding Forms 48 and 49, which sought to hold the DSS Director General in contempt, Justice Nyako stated that these applications were not presently before her, but assured that they would be reviewed once available.
In a fresh application, Kanu sought the dismissal of charges against him, arguing that the prosecution failed to specify the location of the alleged offensive broadcasts. Ejimakor contended that the court lacked jurisdiction as the prosecution did not demonstrate that the broadcasts were punishable offenses in Kenya or Britain, where Kanu resided before his re-arrest.
However, the court dismissed Kanu’s application, stating that it could not overrule its previous decisions and suggesting that Kanu could appeal. Justice Nyako ordered the prosecution to file and serve its proof of evidence, with the defense to respond accordingly.
The case has been adjourned to September 24 for further hearing.
