The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued an apology for his recent criticisms of the Federal High Court and Justice Binta Nyako. The apology was delivered through his new counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, on Friday before Justice James Omotosho, the new trial judge.
Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, apologized to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, as well as to the team of lawyers who had previously been led by Aloy Ejimakor.
He explained that Kanu had been under significant anger for a prolonged period, which led to the unjustified attack on Justice Binta Nyako. Agabi also expressed regret for Kanu’s verbal attack on his own legal team.
Additionally, Agabi extended apologies to the prosecution team, led by Awomolo, and to the chairman of the Body of Benchers, acknowledging their high regard. Agabi emphasized that Kanu is a good person and that not everyone shares the same perspective, urging that room be made for human error and the need to focus on saving rather than destroying.
In response, the prosecution accepted the apology and expressed a commitment to ensuring a swift hearing of the case. Awomolo acknowledged Kanu’s emotions and the intense public attention the case has attracted.
Justice Omotosho also weighed in, suggesting that the lengthy trial might have contributed to Kanu’s frustration. Reflecting on Kanu’s journey, he noted that when Kanu was first arraigned in 2015, he was 47 years old, and now, at 57, he still does not know the ultimate direction of the case.
This uncertainty, according to Justice Omotosho, may have influenced Kanu’s recent comments. The judge also offered an apology to the prosecution on Kanu’s behalf.
