Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has issued a formal apology to the Federal High Court for remarks he made against the court, the judge, the prosecution, and his own legal defense team. Speaking through his new lawyer, Kanu Agabi, he admitted that his comments were made in anger and were not appropriate. He acknowledged that his frustrations over his prolonged trial may have influenced his statements.
According to a report by Vanguard, Kanu also extended his apology to his legal team for the criticisms he previously directed at them. He specifically retracted his remarks against Justice Binta Nyako, the former judge handling his case, recognizing her as a highly respected jurist who did not deserve such comments. His acknowledgment of his mistakes appears to be part of an effort to ease tensions surrounding his trial.
In his statement, Kanu emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He urged for national unity and called on all parties involved to move past grievances and work toward reconciliation. The prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, responded to Kanu’s apology with acceptance, stating that he bore no personal resentment. He maintained that his role was to prosecute, not to persecute, and assured that he would continue to handle the case professionally and without bias.
“This is a time for peace and we must make peace, differences should be resolved peacefully. We are one nation and must unite, we must forget the past and form a new nation of peace,” Kanu said.
Presiding Judge Justice James Omotosho also weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that the prolonged trial may have affected Kanu emotionally and psychologically. He noted that Kanu had been in legal proceedings for a decade, aging from 47 to 57 without clarity on his future, which could have contributed to his outbursts. In a rare judicial gesture, Justice Omotosho extended an apology to the prosecution on Kanu’s behalf, signaling a desire to maintain decorum and fairness in the trial process.