The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has pleaded not guilty to fresh charges of terrorism brought against him before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu was on Friday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of terrorism, operation of an illegal radio station and calling for the break up of Nigeria.
After the plea, the federal government counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) announced his readiness to conduct prosecution in line with the spirit and letters of the Supreme Court-ordered fresh trial.
He asked for an adjournment to enable him to assemble his witnesses and also applied for an accelerated hearing.
Kanu’s new defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) did not object to the request.
Thus, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter to April 29, May 2 and 6 for a full trial.
Earlier, Kanu, who appeared calmer than at the last sitting on February 10 when he erupted in a rage against his trial, apologised to Justice Binta Nyako and Awomolo for his conduct during the proceeding.
Reading Kanu’s apology, Agabi also apologised to the defence lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor Esq for the harsh words he used against them.
“I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako, she did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, he deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservation,” he said.
“I appeal for forgiveness. Kanu is a good man but all of us cannot be of one mind. He is not perfect but defending the cause of Igbo people who are resilient, fearless and using their God-given talents to give a good account of themselves.”
Kanu rejected his continued trial before Justice Nyako who was reinstated in the case after earlier on September 24, 2024, recusing herself. This compelled the Chief Judge John Tsoho to re-assign the matter to Justice Omotosho on March 4.
Kanu was renditioned to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021, under conditions the Supreme Court held were a violation of his fundamental human rights.