Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed his intention to negotiate with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial.
Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu made this announcement at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, citing Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act as the basis for his request.
The Act specifies, “In any proceeding in the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
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During the court session, Ejimakor presented two applications: one to move Form 49 and another challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He stated that if these applications were denied, Kanu would seek to invoke Section 17 to facilitate a negotiated settlement.
In response, Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the federal government, informed the court that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government.
He advised the defendant to direct his request to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who holds the power to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.
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Presiding Judge Justice Binta Nyako remarked that the court’s role is not to act as a mediator but to adjudicate cases presented before it.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his arrest in Kenya.
He faces multiple terrorism-related charges brought by the government. Kanu’s legal team has consistently challenged the jurisdiction and the legal basis of the charges against him, seeking various forms of relief through the court system.
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Kanu’s move for negotiation underlines a significant shift in his legal strategy, aiming to potentially resolve the long-standing and contentious legal battle through amicable means.
Whether the Federal Government will entertain such negotiations remains uncertain, given the complex and highly sensitive nature of the charges against him and the broader political implications.