By Bashir Aliyu
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Friday tendered an apology for his recent verbal attacks on the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako, who previously presided over his case.
Kanu, through his new lead counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, also apologized to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Awomolo, SAN, and his former legal team led by Aloy Ejimakor, whom he had criticized during proceedings before Justice Nyako.
The IPOB leader’s apology was delivered by Chief Agabi before Justice James Omotosho, the new trial judge assigned to the case.
Seeking the Court’s Permission
Upon the resumption of the trial, Chief Agabi sought the court’s permission to deliver a message on behalf of his client. He informed the court that he had already discussed the matter with the prosecution’s lawyer. Justice Omotosho granted the application, allowing Agabi to proceed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Omotosho has fixed March 21 for the commencement of Kanu’s trial. The judge set the date after the case file was transferred to him.
Kanu, who was extradited to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, is expected to take his plea as the case begins anew (de novo).
Background of the Case Transfer
NAN reports that the Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had reassigned the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho. This followed a formal request by Kanu and his legal team, who had accused Justice Nyako of bias and sought the transfer of the seven-count terrorism charge to another judge.
In a letter dated March 4 and addressed to Kanu’s former lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Justice Tsoho communicated the reassignment of the case.
Justice Nyako had earlier withdrawn from the case on September 24, 2024, citing the defendant’s lack of confidence in the court. She subsequently returned the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. However, Justice Tsoho initially sent the file back to Justice Nyako, insisting that a formal application for recusal must be made by the defense.
On February 10, Kanu and Ejimakor maintained that Justice Nyako no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her withdrawal. This led to an indefinite adjournment (sine die) of the proceedings.
Previous Judges in the Case
NAN further reports that Justice Ahmed Mohammed (now elevated to the Court of Appeal) and Justice John Tsoho (before his appointment as Chief Judge) had previously presided over Kanu’s trial. The case was later assigned to Justice Nyako after Kanu rejected the two judges.
The reassignment to Justice Omotosho marks a new chapter in the high-profile case, which has drawn significant public and legal attention.
Kanu’s apology and the upcoming trial on March 21 are expected to set the tone for the renewed proceedings as the court seeks to address the terrorism charges against the IPOB leader.
