Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has apologised to Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal Highway Court and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) over his outburst at the last proceeding of his trial on terrorism charges.
He pleaded for forgiveness and promised to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.
Kanu’s apology was contained in a prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Agabi.
Kanu, specifically, begged Justice Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his outburst and attacks against them in the open court.
Agabi said Kanu had cause to be angry but ought not to have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.
“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 good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but 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,” he pleaded.
During his arraignment in court yesterday, he pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.
He was arraigned before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho amid water tight security provided by operatives of the Department of the State Services (DSS).
Upon the reading of the seven-count charge one by one, Kanu who dressed in his usual white sports wear, denied the accusations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station to broadcast Biafra messages.
After the plea, the federal government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) announced to the court his readiness to conduct prosecution in line with the spirit and letters of the Supreme Court that ordered fresh trial.
He asked for an adjournment to enable him assemble his witnesses and also applied for accelerated hearing which was granted by the court.
Based on the request and having not objected by the defence counsel led by Kanu Agabi SAN, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho fixed April 29 and May 2 and 6, 2025 for full trial.
