Abuja – The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally apologized for his recent criticisms of the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako.
Kanu, through his new lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), also extended his apology to the Federal Government’s legal representative, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), as well as his former legal team, previously led by Aloy Ejimakor.
The apology was delivered in court on Friday before Justice James Omotosho, the newly assigned judge overseeing Kanu’s trial. Seeking the court’s permission to convey the message, Agabi informed the judge that he had previously discussed the matter with the prosecution, and Justice Omotosho granted the request.
With the trial restarting under fresh proceedings (de novo), the court has set March 21 for the next hearing. The case file was reassigned to Justice Omotosho following a series of legal disputes regarding judicial impartiality.
Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in June 2021, was previously being tried before Justice Nyako. However, in September 2024, she withdrew from the case, citing concerns over the defendant’s confidence in the court. Despite this, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, initially returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that a formal application must be submitted for reassignment.
Following further objections from Kanu and his legal team, Justice Nyako ultimately adjourned the matter indefinitely. This led to the recent reallocation of the case to Justice Omotosho.
The IPOB leader, who faces terrorism-related charges, is expected to enter a plea as the case resumes under new judicial oversight.
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