Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), plans to negotiate with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial. His lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, stated in court that they will seek negotiations under the Federal High Court Act’s Section 17.
The Act states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
Ejimakor presented two applications in court earlier. The first application pertained to form 49, while the second application raised objections regarding the court’s jurisdiction. He also mentioned that if the applications are not approved, his client will ask for the enforcement of Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
The government’s lawyer explained to the court that he had already informed the defendant that he doesn’t have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government. He advised the defendant to approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who is authorized to handle negotiations on behalf of the government. The judge, Justice Binta Nyako, explained that the court’s job is to listen to cases, not provide legal advice. Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was arrested in Kenya in June 2021. The government has charged him with terrorism-related offenses.
