JUST-IN: Nnamdi Kanu Apologises for Court Outburst, Pleads Not Guilty to New Terrorism Charges

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has issued a public apology to Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, following his misconduct during the last session of his trial on terrorism charges.

Kanu expressed regret for his actions and pleaded for forgiveness, promising to maintain good conduct throughout the remainder of his trial.

The apology was delivered in a prepared statement by his lead counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. In the speech, Agabi conveyed Kanu’s sincere apology for the outbursts, which included verbal attacks on Justice Nyako, Awomolo, the prosecutor, and his own lawyers.

“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecutor, and even his own legal team,” Agabi said. “I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.”

Agabi added that Kanu was acting out of frustration but acknowledged that it was wrong for him to express his anger in such a manner. He appealed for forgiveness, stating, “Kanu is a good man, but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but defending the cause of the Igbo people, who are resilient and fearless. In resolving our differences, let us seek peace and not violence.”

During the court proceedings on Friday, Kanu pleaded not guilty to the fresh terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government. He appeared before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, under tight security provided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Kanu denied the accusations listed in the 7-count charge, which included allegations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station to broadcast messages promoting Biafra.

Following Kanu’s plea, the federal government’s counsel, Awomolo, SAN, confirmed readiness to proceed with the prosecution in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directive for a fresh trial. He requested an adjournment to prepare his witnesses and applied for an expedited hearing, which was granted by the court.

In agreement with the request from both parties, Justice Omotosho scheduled the trial to resume on April 29, May 2, and May 6, 2025.

Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in June 2021 and has since been in DSS custody under a court order, agreed to the prompt progression of his trial.

In a related development, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, communicated to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, the re-assignment of the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho. This reassignment followed Kanu’s legal team’s request for the case to be transferred, citing concerns of bias. Justice Nyako had recused herself from the case on September 24, 2024, citing her inability to continue a trial in which the defendant lacked confidence in the court.