Uchechi Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has said that the apologies tendered on behalf of her husband in court are yielding positive results.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), had on Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, apologised to Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecution team, and the defendant’s legal representatives, acknowledging past outbursts by the IPOB leader.
In a statement shared with journalists, Uchechi Kanu commended Agabi’s approach, describing him as “a towering figure” whose intervention was necessary to ease tensions in the courtroom and facilitate dialogue.
She explained that the decision to apologise was a strategic move to restore decorum in court and address grievances that had escalated in previous hearings.
“My husband, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, accepted the need for Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the new lead counsel, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho on what transpired at Binta Nyako’s court, that shook the foundations of the Nigerian judiciary,” she stated.
According to Uchechi, Agabi’s move was critical in smoothing over ruffled feathers caused by Kanu’s previous courtroom remarks, which had led to Justice Nyako recusing herself from the case.
She further noted that Justice Omotosho also expressed regret over the prolonged delays and the manner in which Kanu’s trial had been handled over the years, acknowledging the IPOB leader’s ordeal at the hands of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu, who has been in detention since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021, is facing terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
His legal team has continued to push for his release, citing alleged rights violations and procedural flaws in his trial.
At the last court sitting, Agabi openly admitted that Kanu’s frustration over his prolonged detention had led to anger-fueled comments against Justice Nyako and other parties involved in the trial.
“They are now at a place where they must apologise to Justice Binta Nyako, the prosecution team, and his legal team,” Agabi had stated in court.
The senior lawyer also extended an apology to the Federal Government’s counsel, who also serves as the chairman of the Body of Benchers, acknowledging his respected standing in the legal profession.
Kanu’s trial has been a subject of intense debate, with supporters insisting on his right to a fair hearing, while the government maintains that he must answer for his alleged actions.
With the latest developments, Uchechi Kanu expressed hope that the reconciliatory approach initiated by Agabi would open the door for a more constructive legal process.
She added, “Chief Kanu Agabi’s stature demanded it; he couldn’t represent Onyendu (Nnamdi Kanu) without restoring decorum acceptable to the Abuja bench in particular and the judiciary in general.”
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