The trial judge and prosecuting counsel in Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja have distanced themselves from his plan to settle.
Justice Binta Nyako and Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) encouraged Kanu’s counsel to contact the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing a seven-count amended accusation of terrorism, treasonable felony, and other offences.
Defence counsel Alloy Ejimakor stated that his client requested that the court utilise Section 17 of the Federal High Court Rules, which allows for “reconciliation” and the facilitation of amicable settlements in criminal or civil proceedings. He further explained: “Section 17 of Federal High Court Rules states that, in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement.”
Ejimakor stated he had discussed the proposal with Awomolo.
Awomolo acknowledged Ejimakor’s claim.”I advised him (Ejimakor) to go to the AGF, who holds the power.
What they’re saying
“He should go there if he is interested in negotiating; his (the AGF’s) office is just here,” Awomolo remarked, gesturing to a structure near the Federal High Court complex.
The SAN said, “If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the AGF’s office.”
The judge went on to say, “There’s absolutely no problem at all if you want to talk with the AGF.”
In Essence
According to Ejimakor, he submitted two applications to the court. In the first, it is stated that the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) disobeyed the court’s ruling and was sentenced to prison.
According to Ejimakor, the other application challenges the court’s authority to trial Kanu one more time.
Bottom Line
Justice Nyako noted that both applications were not on the court’s record. She adjourned till September 25.
