Alleged terrorism: Kanu assembles 2 SANs, 10 other lawyers as court grants accelerated hearing

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, appeared composed and calm as he was re-arraigned on terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

Kanu, facing a seven-count charge, pleaded not guilty before Justice James Omotosho. His re-arraignment followed a message of apology delivered on his behalf by his new legal representative, Chief Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The message, titled “Apology By Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Delivered on His Behalf by Kanu G. Agabi, SAN, CON,” extended regrets to Justice Binta Nyako, federal government prosecutor Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Kanu’s previous legal team, acknowledging past actions taken in anger.

Previously, Kanu had faced trial before Justice Nyako on a 15-count charge following his return to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021. In April 2022, eight of the charges were struck out, while the remaining seven were later dismissed by the Court of Appeal in October 2022. However, the Federal Government challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court, which reinstated the charges and ordered his continued trial.

At Friday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho renumbered the charges, converting count eight to count six and count 15 to count seven. Kanu subsequently entered a not-guilty plea on all counts.

Federal Government prosecutor Awomolo, SAN, signaled readiness for trial and requested an accelerated hearing, which was granted. Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Agabi, did not object. The court scheduled the trial for April 29, May 2, and May 6.

Throughout the proceedings, Kanu, dressed in his usual sportswear, remained composed.

The charges against him stem from alleged inflammatory broadcasts, including directives on a sit-at-home order in the South-East, which the government claims led to disruptions in business activities and public movement. Additionally, he is accused of inciting attacks against security personnel and illegally importing a radio transmitter into the country.

PlatinumPost gathered that Kanu’s legal team comprises two Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief Kanu Agabi and Uchenna Njoku, alongside ten other lawyers, including Aloy Ejimakor, P.A.N. Ejiofor, Maxwell Opara, Patrick Agazie, Emmanuel Ezeugwu, Jude Ugwuanyi, Mandela Umegborogu, Maryfrances Orji, Ikenna Nwangwu, and Elom Christian.

The court proceedings will continue on the scheduled trial dates as both sides prepare for the legal battle ahead.