Biafra: Justice Binta Nyako Directs Tinubu-led Fed. Govt. And Nnamdi Kanu To Pursue Reconciliation

Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja , has directed the Tinubu-led Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to pursue reconciliation and out-of-court settlement in the ongoing trial.

Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu made this known on Wednesday after moving two applications before the court.

Ejimakor has clarified that it was his lordship, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, that directed the Tinubu-led federal government and the IPOB leader to pursue reconciliation.

The lawyer said some media reports that Kanu sought negotiation with the Nigerian government on the charges levelled against him were slanted.

According to him, it was the court that invoked its powers under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act and issued the directive.

Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.

The first application is to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court. Ejimakor said if the applications are denied they will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Responding, the private prosecutor representing the Federal government, Ademoyega Awomolo (SAN) told the Court that he has no objection to a political settlement or solution of the case but Kanu’s lawyers should discuss it directly with the Attorney-General.

In the same vein, Kanu’s Lead Counsel Aloy Ejimakor expressed no objection to political settlement. In her reply, Justice Binta Nyako said the court was not a solicitor but to only hear cases.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and has since resumed terrorism-related trials levelled against him by the Federal Government.

The case was adjourned until September 24, 2024, for further hearing.