Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has announced his intention to negotiate with the Federal Government regarding his ongoing trial.
Kanu, speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, conveyed this message during a hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Kanu aims to pursue this negotiation under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act. This section of the Act specifies, “In any proceeding in the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.” This indicates that the court has the authority to encourage a peaceful resolution between the involved parties.
During the court session, Ejimakor presented two applications. The first application involved moving Form 49, and the second challenged the court’s jurisdiction over the case. Ejimakor indicated that if these applications were denied, Kanu would then request the court to apply Section 17 to facilitate a negotiation.
In response, Adegboyega Awomolo, representing the Federal Government, stated that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government. He advised that Kanu should direct his request to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagnei (SAN), who has the necessary powers to negotiate on the government’s behalf.
Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, clarified that the court’s role is not to act as a mediator but to adjudicate cases.
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest in Kenya. He faces charges related to terrorism, which have been brought against him by the Nigerian government.
Kanu’s legal team continues to seek ways to address these charges, aiming for an amicable resolution through legal avenues provided by the Federal High Court Act.