Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
Gatekeepers News reports that Kanu also apologised to the federal high court, Binta Nyako, former presiding judge; and Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the federal government over his misconduct at the last hearing.
Kanu was arraigned on Friday before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
Recall that John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court on March 8, reassigned Kanu’s case to a new judge after he repeatedly asked Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case because he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial.
On September 24, Nyako recused herself from Kanu’s case after an oral application by the defendant.
On February 10, Nyako adjourned Kanu’s case indefinitely due to his insistence that she could not preside over his case since she had recused herself.
Subsequently, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel disclosed that the trial would start afresh following the appointment of a new judge.
At the resumption of trial on Friday, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate and former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), announced himself as Kanu’s new counsel.
After the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the seven counts, Agabi told the court that they were ready to proceed with the trial.
Judge Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing because the case had been on for 10 years. The case was adjourned to April 29, May 2, and 6 for trial.
At the resumed court session, Agabi on behalf of the defendant, read out the apology which was contained in a lengthy prepared speech, before the court.
Kanu asked Nyako and Awomolo to forgive him for his attacks against them in the open court, adding that his outburst stemmed from his protracted trial.
The letter reads, “In expressing his anger, he attacked the federal high court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers.”
“I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He deserves highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.”
“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is a good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but is defending the cause of Igbo people who are resilient, fearless and using their God given talents to give good account of themselves.”
“We may have misgivings but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences.”
Responding, Awomolo said he was moved by the plea and has forgiven Kanu for all he said against him, adding that he was not a persecutor but a prosecutor and assured the court he would work toward a quick resolution of the case.
