The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed his willingness to negotiate with the federal government. Through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his intention to seek negotiations under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
This development came after Kanu’s legal team moved two applications before the court, including one to quash the charges against him and another challenging the court’s jurisdiction. Ejimakor stated that if the applications are unsuccessful, they will pursue negotiations under Section 17, which encourages amicable settlement and reconciliation among parties.
However, counsel for the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, clarified that he lacks the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government, as his fiat does not empower him to do so. He advised Kanu’s legal team to approach the Attorney General of the Federation instead.
Justice Binta Nyako, presiding over the case, emphasized that the court’s role is to hear cases, not to facilitate negotiations. Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, facing terrorism-related charges leveled against him by the federal government.
The trial is ongoing, and further details will be provided as the story unfolds.
