Nnamdi Kanu Expresses Willingness to Negotiate with FG

In a significant development at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has expressed his readiness to enter negotiations with the Federal Government.

This announcement came as the court reopened the case against him, which includes charges of terrorism and treasonable felonies.

Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lead counsel, informed the court of their intention to explore an amicable settlement under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act. This provision allows for cases to be resolved through reconciliation and settlement.

Ejimakor highlighted that should their pending applications, including one seeking the imprisonment of the DSS Director General for contempt of court, be unsuccessful, they would invoke Section 17 to initiate negotiations.

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However, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, representing the Federal Government, reiterated that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) holds the sole authority to engage in such negotiations, emphasizing that the current proceedings pertain to serious allegations of terrorism.

Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, clarified the court’s role as impartial in facilitating legal proceedings rather than negotiations. She affirmed that any negotiation would be a matter between the parties involved, with the AGF’s office being the appropriate venue for such discussions.

Nnamdi Kanu’s legal journey has been tumultuous, marked by periods of detention and court appearances. Initially arrested in 2015 and subsequently released on bail in 2017, Kanu’s case took a dramatic turn with his re-arrest in 2021 and subsequent detention by the DSS.

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Despite previous legal victories, including the dismissal of several charges against him by the court of appeal, the Supreme Court’s decision in December 2023 reinstated the trial on seven remaining counts.

As the legal proceedings continue, Kanu’s willingness to negotiate signals a potential shift in the protracted legal battle, prompting speculation about possible future developments in this high-profile case.