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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
He also apologised to the federal high court, Binta Nyako, former presiding judge; and Adegboyega Awomolo, counsel to the federal government; over his conduct at the last hearing.
Kanu was arraigned on Friday before James Omotosho, judge of a federal high court in Abuja.
On March 8, John Tsoho, chief judge of the federal high court, reassigned Kanu’s case to a new judge after the defendant repeatedly asked Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case.
Kanu directly told Nyako that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial.
On September 24, Nyako recused herself from Kanu’s case after an oral application by the defendant.
On February 10, Nyako adjourned Kanu’s case indefinitely following the defendant’s insistence that the judge cannot preside over his case since she had recused herself.
Subsequently, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel, told the media in early March that the trial would start afresh following the appointment of a new judge.
KANU ENGAGES NEW LAWYER
At the resumption of trial on Friday, Kanu Agabi, a senior advocate and former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), announced himself as Kanu’s new counsel.
After Kanu pleaded not guilty to all the seven-counts, Agabi told the court that they were ready to proceed with the trial.
Omotosho granted accelerated hearing, in view of the fact that the case has been on for 10 years. The case was adjourned to April 29, May 2 and 6 for trial.
KANU TENDERS APOLOGY
At the resumed court session before Omotosho, who took over the case from Nyako, the defendant, through his newly appointed counsel, read out the formal apology.
Kanu asked Nyako and Awomolo to forgive him for his attacks against them in the open court, adding that his outburst was a result of his anger stemming from the delays in his trial.
“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.
“I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He deserves highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.
“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but defending the cause of Igbo people who are resilient, fearless and using their God given talents to give 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.”
Responding, Awomolo said he was moved by the plea and has forgiven Kanu for all he said against him.
The senior lawyer said he was not a persecutor but prosecutor and that he would work to ensure quick resolution of the charges.
