The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has apologised to the Federal High Court, judge Binta Nyako over his outburst during the last proceedings of his trial on the terrorism charges
Penpushing reports that Kanu expressed apology during his re-arraignment before a new judge on Friday, he pleaded passionately for forgiveness and promised to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.
The defendant in same vein apologized to government’s lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), in a lengthy prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi.
Penpushing further reports that Kanu in the emotion-laden address, specifically apologised to Nyako and Awomolo to forgive and forget his outburst and attacks against them in the open court.
The Biafra agitator while tendering an apology through his lawyer before the new trial judge, explained that he on Friday, had cause to be angry but ought not to have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.
“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers. I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako’, the counsel said.
She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations, Kanu stated through his counsel.
Penpushing also reports that the apology letter pointed out that though Kanu was defending the cause of Igbo people, he is not perfect, stressing that there may have been misgivings, but there is need to seek for forgiveness, hence, need to resolve differences by employing peace and not violence
The government’s lead prosecutor in his response, said he was moved by the plea and has forgiven Kanu for all he said against him, adding that he is not a persecutor but a prosecutor, and will work to ensure quick resolution of the charges.
Penpushing reports that it is recalled that Kanu on Monday, February 10, 2025 lost his temper and launched a vicious verbal attack on Justice Nyako, who has been in charge of his case for about a decade.
The defendant after the rancorous hearing before the judge, made unsubstantiated allegations against her, claiming she insisted on presiding over his trial because of ongoing corruption cases against her husband and son.
“Justice Binta Nyako is using her position for personal gain. Her son and her husband are facing corruption charges. And they (the Nigerian Government) told them (the judge and the court) that if they convict me (they will free the son and the husband).They (Nigerian Government) sent her to my case so they can release or smoothen the pathway for the husband and the son’, Kanu said.
Penpushing further reports that Kanu has been especially critical of the judge, claiming he was not confident of getting justice before her, but he has yet to move a formal motion providing evidence of bias on the part of the judge, who always maintained calmness in the face of Kanu’s provocative conduct in court.
The defendant did not provide evidence to back the allegations he made, nor was the judge present to defend herself, but Nyako had adjourned the case and retreated to her chamber., however, the case was reassigned to a new judge, Justice James Omotosho, in the aftermath of the previous combustive hearing.
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