The leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his intention to initiate negotiations with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
This announcement was made during the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. Represented by his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu communicated his willingness for negotiations after submitting two applications to the court.
The first application concerns a motion filed under form 49, while the second application challenges the jurisdiction of the court.
However, Justice Binta Nyako responded by emphasizing that the court’s role is not to serve as a solicitor but to adjudicate cases presented before it.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya.
He currently faces terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
The ongoing trial against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), has been adjourned by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The new dates for the trial are September 23, 25, and 26, 2024. The adjournment was made by Justice Binta Nyako after the defense counsels requested the court to consider section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which promotes reconciliation and amicable settlement among the parties involved in any proceedings.
Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, argued that the remaining 7 count charge against Kanu should be quashed. However, the court dismissed Kanu’s fresh application challenging the jurisdiction of the court and stated that the only option left for him was to proceed on appeal.
Ejimakor also highlighted that the Department of State Services (DSS) had not fully complied with the court’s orders regarding Kanu’s access to his lawyers.
In response, the prosecution lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, stated that he did not have the instruction of his client to engage in negotiations with the defendant.
Kanu, accompanied by his legal team, appeared in court on Wednesday and addressed the issue of the killings in the South-East.
The leader of IPOB reiterated his commitment to peace and denied any involvement in the recent murder of soldiers in Abia State.
“I unequivocally condemn all acts of violence. IPOB was established on the principle of non-violence, and we remain steadfast in that belief. It is disheartening to hear that some of these soldiers were our own people, and their families are currently grieving.”
“I condemn all forms of violence. Our fight is for freedom, so how can we advocate for violence? We seek liberation for our people. Africa has endured immense suffering, from slavery in Arabia and Europe to modern-day slavery in America.”
“Now is the time to focus on our continent and fulfill our purpose as intended by God, so that the world will recognize our capabilities,” he stated during his interaction with journalists in court.
