The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his intent to negotiate with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial.
Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu informed the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday that he plans to seek negotiation under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act. This section states: “In any proceeding in the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
During the court session, Ejimakor moved two applications: one to move form 49 and another objecting to the court’s jurisdiction. He noted that if these applications were denied, his client would pursue the implementation of Section 17 for negotiation.
In response, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that he did not possess the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government. He advised that Kanu should approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who holds the power to negotiate on the government’s behalf.
Presiding Judge Justice Binta Nyako stated that the court’s role is not to act as a mediator but to hear cases presented before it.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest in Kenya. He is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the government.
