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Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, extended an olive branch to the Federal Government, requesting a settlement agreement to resolve his treason case without the need for a prolonged and contentious court battle.
Nnamdi Kanu also condemned the devastating violence plaguing the South-East region, sparked by his group’s quest for independence.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), made a passionate plea on Wednesday as he stood before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where his trial resumed after a long delay. The separatist leader has been in custody since his controversial arrest in Kenya in 2021.
A widely circulated video on Wednesday showed the IPOB leader publicly condemning the surge in violence plaguing the South-East region, sparked by the group’s push for Igbo independence from Nigeria.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, surprised the court by announcing that the defense is amenable to an out-of-court resolution, a move that could bring a swift end to the highly publicized case.
“I want people to understand that IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle and we maintain that up till this very day. Some of these soldiers, we’re told, are also our people. And the families are now in mourning. All the making of young widows is condemned in its entirety. I don’t want it, I don’t want anybody to die.
“We are fighting for freedom, then how can we fight death at the same time? It’s not possible; we want people to be free. That’s all we’re fighting for, nothing more.
“We’ve suffered a lot in Africa, I don’t know if you know that. Africans have suffered – from slavery in (Saudi) Arabia, to slavery in Europe, to slavery in America. So, I think we should focus our time and devote it towards making sure that this continent stands up to what God promised is going to be.”
At the proper court proceedings, Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, informed Justice Binta Nyako and the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), that “the defence wants the case settled out of court”.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lawyer, expressed frustration in court that the Department of State Services (DSS) has failed to grant the defense team unhindered access to their client, despite the court’s clear directives, hindering their ability to adequately prepare for the trial.
Read also: Prof. Nze Urges UN Council To Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The defense team’s meetings with Kanu were shrouded in suspicion, as Ejimakor alleged that the DSS had covertly installed audio surveillance in the cell, casting a pall of caution over their conversations.
He added that this has led the legal team to resolve to initiate contempt proceedings against the Director General of the DSS for refusing to obey the court’s order which had directed the DSS to grant Kanu an unbugged “safe room” space for meeting with his lawyers.
Ejimakor petitioned the court to utilize its authority under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, a clause that facilitates the court’s role in brokering peaceful settlements and resolving disputes.
The defense counsel mentioned that he had earlier discussed the potential settlement with the prosecution, but was told that the moment hadn’t arrived to entertain such a motion.
However, the Federal Government’s counsel, Awomolo, countered that it wasn’t his prerogative to pursue a settlement outside of court, firmly placing the onus on the court to resolve the matter.
Awomolo told Kanu’s team to “approach the Attorney General of the Federation, on such issues as the power to grant such resides with him.”
Awomolo highlighted that the AGF possessed the sole discretion to pursue an out-of-court settlement, and only they could request the court’s consideration of such an arrangement.
Awomolo, the prosecutor, made it clear that he lacked the necessary mandate from the Federal Government to engage in settlement talks with the defendant.
“I told him to go to the Attorney-General of the Federation, who has the power. If he is interested in negotiating he should go there, his office is just here,” Awomolo said.
In response, Justice Nyako said the court had no proper with Kanu’s proposition for an out-of-court settlement and advised him to approach the AGF for the possibility.
Despite this, the judge mandated the DSS to create a secure, surveillance-free environment for Kanu to confer with his legal team during their visits, ensuring uninterrupted preparation for his trial.
