The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has conveyed his readiness to negotiate with the Federal Government over his trial. He stated this through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor when he appeared in court on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

Kanu premised his move for a negotiation with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act. Recall the IPOB leader has been in Department of State Services’ (DSS), custody since 2021 when he was re-arrested in a Gestapo manner in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria.

Since he came back to the country, the IPOB leader has been facing trial for terrorism-related charges before an Abuja Federal High Court. Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states that “In any Proceeding in the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.

Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu told the Abuja Federal High Court of his negotiations after he moved two applications brought before the court.
The first application is to move for 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 Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government, as the fiat given to him does not give him the power to negotiate. He stated that the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the federation in that regard.

Responding, Justice Binta Nyako said the court was not a solicitor, but to only hear cases.

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