…As Court Grants Accelerated Hearing In 10-Year Treason Trial
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally apologised to the federal high court justice, Binta Nyako, over his outburst at the last court proceeding of his trial on treason charges.
Kanu, who also apologised to the counsel for the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Adegboyega Awomolo, promised to be of good conduct throughout his trial.
Justice Nyako, who had recused herself from the case on September 24, 2024, was once again reassigned to it by Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the Federal High Court.
The IPOB leader had lambasted Justice Nyako in open court and also abused Awomolo in the process.
At Friday’s proceedings, shortly after both parties announced appearances, Kanu’s counsel, a former AGF, Chief Kanu Agabi, pleaded to address the court on behalf of his client.
He tendered an emotional apology on behalf of Kanu, which was contained in a lengthy prepared speech that begged Justice Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his outburst and attacks against them in the open court.
Agabi said that Kanu had cause to be angry but should not have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.
“In expressing his anger, he attacked the federal high court; he attacked Justice Binta Nyako; he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers,” Agabi said.
He read parts of the speech, saying, “I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.
“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is a good man, but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but defending the cause of the Igbo people, who are resilient, fearless, and using their God-given talents to give a good account of themselves.
“We may have misgivings, but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences,” Kanu pleaded.
Responding in a brief remark, Awomolo said he was moved by the plea and has forgiven Kanu for all he said against him.
The senior lawyer, while accepting the apology, promised that they would do their best to ensure an expeditious hearing of the case.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, said the length of the trial may have taken a toll on the IPOB leader.
He said the fact that Kanu was 47 years old when he was arraigned in 2015 but is now 57 and still does not know where he is headed, may have led him to make certain comments that were not right.
Justice Omotosho urged Awomolo to accept Kanu’s apology.
Following the apology, the court read the seven-count charges to Kanu, and he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Awomolo told the court that they were ready for trial and prayed the court to grant an accelerated hearing to the case.
Justice Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing in view of the fact that the case has been on for 10 years.
He subsequently adjourned the case to April 29, May 2, and 6 for trial.
Kanu Tenders Apology For Outburst Against Justice Nyako is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
