Detained leader of proscribed of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, has expressed his intention to pursue negotiations with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Kanu, who has been in custody since his arrest in Kenya in June 2021, is facing charges related to terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
According to Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows the court to promote reconciliation among parties and encourage amicable settlements, Kanu’s lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, presented this stance during proceedings on Wednesday.
He highlighted that Kanu’s legal team had filed two applications, including one challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
“If these applications are denied,” Ejimakor stated, “we will move for the implementation of Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.”
Responding to Kanu’s proposal, Counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, clarified that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government.
Instead, Awomolo advised Kanu to approach the Attorney General of the Federation for such negotiations.
Justice Binta Nyako however emphasised the court’s role as a forum for hearing cases, stating, “The court is not a solicitor.”
During the court session, Kanu also addressed recent violence in the South-East region, vehemently denying involvement in the killing of soldiers in Abia State.
He reiterated IPOB’s commitment to non-violence, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives. “We are fighting for freedom,” Kanu asserted, “so, how can we want violence? We want people to be free.”
He further condemned all forms of killings and emphasised the need for Africa to assert itself positively in the global arena. “We have suffered a lot,” Kanu stated, “from slavery in Arabia, Europe, and now slavery in America.”
