Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was re-arraigned on Friday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to terrorism and treasonable felony charges.
The trial, which is starting afresh due to the reassignment of the case, follows the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, who previously handled the proceedings but stepped down after Kanu accused her of bias.
During the court session, Kanu, now represented by former Attorney-General of the Federation Kanu Agabi (SAN), issued an apology to both the former judge and the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), for his courtroom outburst on February 10.
Kanu’s legal battle dates back to 2015 when he was first arrested upon his return from the UK. He was granted bail in 2017 but fled the country after a military raid on his home. In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria.
Despite the Court of Appeal ordering his release in 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling in December 2023, giving the Federal Government the go-ahead to proceed with the trial on seven counts.
With the case back in court, all eyes are on how the legal battle unfolds in the coming weeks.
