Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has indicated his willingness to negotiate with the Federal Government over his trial. Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since June 2021, made this known through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges levelled against him by the Federal Government. His counsel moved two applications before the court, including one seeking to quash the charges and another objecting to the jurisdiction of the court. If the applications are denied, Ejimakor said they would seek to negotiate with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which promotes reconciliation and amicable settlement.
However, counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, stated that he lacks the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government, and that Kanu should approach the Attorney General of the Federation instead. Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, emphasized that the court’s role is to hear cases, not to solicit negotiations.
Kanu, who spoke to journalists in court, condemned the recent killings in the South-East, including the murder of soldiers in Abia State, and reiterated his commitment to non-violence. He stated that IPOB was founded on non-violent principles and seeks freedom for the people.
