Nnamdi Kanu Apologizes to Court, Judge, and Prosecutor, Pledges Good Conduct

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally apologized to the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, and Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, over his behavior during the last hearing of his terrorism trial.

Kanu pleaded for forgiveness and assured the court that he would maintain good conduct throughout the proceedings. His apology was delivered in a prepared speech read by his lead counsel, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.

In an emotional address, Kanu specifically asked Justice Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his previous outburst.

Agabi acknowledged Kanu’s frustration but admitted that he should not have reacted in anger.

“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers. I hereby apologize to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologize to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.

“We may have misgivings, but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence,” Agabi pleaded.

In response, Awomolo, SAN, accepted the apology, stating that he had forgiven Kanu and emphasized that he was a prosecutor, not a persecutor. He also expressed his commitment to ensuring a swift resolution of the case.

Meanwhile, during his fresh arraignment on Friday, Kanu pleaded not guilty to the seven-count terrorism charges against him, including allegations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station to broadcast pro-Biafra messages.

The arraignment took place before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, under tight security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Following the plea, Awomolo informed the court of the prosecution’s readiness to proceed in compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive for a fresh trial. He requested an adjournment to assemble witnesses and applied for an accelerated hearing, which was granted.

With no objections from the defense team, Justice Omotosho fixed April 29, May 2, and May 6, 2025, for trial.

Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in June 2021 and has since been in DSS custody, also agreed to a speedy trial of the charges against him.