The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued a public apology for his recent attacks on the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako.
Kanu, through his newly appointed lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), also extended apologies to the Federal Government’s legal representative, Chief Awomolo (SAN), and his former legal team led by Aloy Ejimakor.
During a court session on Friday, Chief Agabi conveyed Kanu’s message of remorse before Justice James Omotosho, the new judge handling his case. Agabi sought the court’s permission to deliver the apology, a request that was granted after prior discussions with the prosecution counsel.
Case Reassigned Amid Claims of Bias
Kanu’s case was recently reassigned to Justice Omotosho after Justice Binta Nyako recused herself from the trial on September 24, 2024. Justice Nyako withdrew after Kanu and his legal team accused her of bias, stating they had lost confidence in her ability to preside over the case fairly.
Following her withdrawal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, initially returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that a formal application was required for the reassignment to take effect. However, Kanu’s legal team maintained that Nyako no longer had jurisdiction after stepping down, leading to an indefinite suspension of proceedings.
Now under Justice Omotosho’s jurisdiction, the trial is set to resume on March 21, where Kanu is expected to take a fresh plea following his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.
Kanu’s case has seen multiple judge reassignments, with Justice Ahmed Mohammed and Justice Tsoho previously handling the trial before it was transferred to Justice Nyako. Justice Tsoho was later elevated to Chief Judge, while Justice Mohammed has since been promoted to the Court of Appeal.
As the legal battle continues, Kanu’s latest apology marks a notable shift in his approach, raising questions about its potential impact on his ongoing trial.
