Kanu apologizes in court, pleads not guilty as trial resumes

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Thursday with an unexpected gesture of apology from the defendant’s legal team.

Shortly after appearances were taken, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), addressed the Federal High Court in Abuja, apologizing on behalf of his client.

Agabi admitted that Kanu had been angry for a long time and acknowledged that his past remarks, particularly against Justice Binta Nyako, were unjustified.

He also apologized to the prosecution team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), as well as to his own legal team, whom Kanu had previously criticized.

“He is a good man, but we all don’t have the same perspectives. There must be room for errors, and we should strive to save rather than destroy,” Agabi pleaded.

In response, the prosecution accepted the apology, with Adegboyega Awomolo acknowledging the emotions and tension surrounding the case. He assured the court of his team’s commitment to ensuring an expeditious trial.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, also weighed in, noting that the prolonged legal battle, which began in 2015, had undoubtedly taken a toll on Kanu.

“When he was first arraigned, he was 47. Now, he is 57 and still uncertain about his fate. This may have led him to make some regrettable statements,” Omotosho said, while also tendering an apology on Kanu’s behalf to the prosecution.

Following this, the seven-count charge against Kanu was read out, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution confirmed its readiness to proceed with the trial, a position the defense team did not object to.

Acknowledging the protracted nature of the case, Justice Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing.
The trial was adjourned to April 29, May 2, and May 6 for substantive proceedings.