Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is seeking an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian government to drop the treasonable felony charges against him. Kanu, who campaigns for the secession of the Biafra Republic from Nigeria, faces trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At a recent hearing, Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, informed Judge Binta Nyako that his client wishes to negotiate with the government. Ejimakor cited Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows the court to promote reconciliation and facilitate amicable settlements. Ejimakor mentioned that he had previously discussed the proposal with the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, who advised that the matter be taken up with the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), as he has the authority to negotiate.
Awomolo confirmed that he lacked the power to negotiate and that any such discussions should be directed to the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi. Judge Nyako supported this advice and encouraged Kanu to approach the AGF for a possible settlement. Meanwhile, the court dismissed a fresh application from Kanu challenging its jurisdiction to hear the case, instructing both parties to prepare for the next hearing scheduled for September 24.
Kanu also expressed his condemnation of the violence in the South-East linked to IPOB’s secessionist activities, reiterating that IPOB was founded on non-violent principles. Additionally, Kanu’s lawyer raised concerns about the Department of State Services (DSS) not providing a “safe room” for confidential meetings with Kanu, as previously ordered by the court. The judge ordered the DSS to provide an unbugged space for such meetings.
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