Daud Olatunji
The defence team of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu led by Alloy Ejimakor, has invoked Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows the court to promote reconciliation and facilitate amicable settlements.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the plea followed the denial of Kanu’s application to quash seven remaining charges against him.
The court dismissed Kanu’s fresh application challenging its jurisdiction over several counts, ruling that it could not overrule decisions already made.
The court indicated that Kanu’s only recourse was to appeal these decisions.
Addressing the Federal High Court in Abuja,Ejimakor argued that a fair trial could not proceed while his client’s right to a fair hearing was in question.
Ejimakor highlighted that the Department of State Services (DSS) had not fully complied with court orders, noting that visits to Kanu were still being monitored.
He warned of contempt of court proceedings against the DSS Director General for not providing a “safe room” for Kanu’s legal consultations.
Prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that he was not authorized to negotiate a settlement, suggesting that Kanu’s legal team should approach the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) for such discussions.
Justice Nyako supported this suggestion, indicating that the AGF is the appropriate authority for negotiations.
Justice Nyako ordered the DSS to provide an unmonitored space for Kanu’s legal meetings and directed the prosecution to file and serve its evidence.
The defendant was also instructed to respond to the prosecution’s evidence, highlighting areas of agreement and objections.
Meanwhile,the Court has adjourned the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to September 23, 25, and 26, 2024.
The adjournment was ordered by Justice Binta Nyako after procedural issues prevented the trial from properly commencing.
Nnamdi Kanu, addressing the court, condemned recent violence in the South-East, including the killing of soldiers in Abia State.
Kanu reaffirmed IPOB’s commitment to non-violence and distanced the group from the killings.
He emphasized that IPOB’s struggle is for freedom and peace, not violence.
“I condemn in its entirety all of the killings, because IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle, and we maintain that stand,” Kanu stated.
He expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased soldiers and reiterated his desire for peaceful resolution and freedom for the people.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody since his arrest in Kenya in June 2021.
His trial has been a focal point of legal and political debates in Nigeria, with significant implications for the country’s handling of separatist movements and human rights issues.
The upcoming trial dates in September 2024 are expected to be critical in determining the future of Kanu’s legal battles and the broader issues surrounding IPOB and its activities.
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