The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has expressed his intention to initiate negotiations with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial.
Kanu conveyed this through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday. He cited Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for reconciliation among parties and encourages amicable settlements.
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Ejimakor presented two applications to the court: one to move form 49 and another challenging the court’s jurisdiction. He indicated that if these applications were not granted, they would pursue the application under Section 17 of the Act.
In response, counsel for the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that he had previously informed Kanu that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government. He advised Kanu to approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who possesses the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government.
Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, clarified that the court’s role was to adjudicate cases and not to act as a mediator.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest in Kenya, and he faces terrorism-related charges brought against him by the government.
