Nnamdi Kanu Faces New Judge in Terrorism Trial as Lawyer Issues Apology To Court

Nnamdi Kanu, head of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appeared before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for a fresh arraignment. Kanu Agabi represented Kanu, while Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) stood for the Federal Government in the seven-count terrorism case.

The reassignment followed Justice Binta Nyako’s withdrawal on September 24, 2024, after Kanu accused her of bias and demanded a new judge. Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun then transferred the case to Justice Omotosho. Kanu’s legal troubles began with his arrest on October 14, 2015, upon returning from the UK. Granted bail in 2017 for health reasons after detention at Kuje Correctional Facility, he fled to the UK, only to be re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and extradited to Nigeria. He has since remained in Department of State Services custody.

During the hearing, Agabi apologized to the court, Justice Nyako, the prosecution, and Kanu’s legal team for his client’s prior outbursts, attributing them to long-standing frustration. He regretted Kanu’s unjustified criticism of Nyako and his verbal attacks on his own counsel and Awomolo, a respected lawyer and Body of Benchers chairman. Agabi called Kanu a good man, urging leniency and understanding.

The prosecution accepted the apology and pledged a swift trial. Justice Omotosho noted the case’s decade-long toll on Kanu, now 57, up from 47 at his 2015 arraignment, suggesting the prolonged uncertainty fueled his remarks. The judge also apologized to the prosecution on Kanu’s behalf.

Kanu pleaded not guilty to all seven charges. Both sides confirmed readiness for trial, and Justice Omotosho scheduled an accelerated hearing for April 29, May 2, and May 6, citing the case’s lengthy duration.

Related developments include Kanu’s rejection of IPOB’s proscription, with plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, and his lawyer’s claims of assassination attempts linked to defending Biafran activists, blaming IPOB woes on Simon Ekpa.