Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Negotiation with Federal Government Amid Terrorism Charges

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), announced his intention to seek negotiations with the federal government. This development comes as Kanu faces a seven-count charge of treasonable felony.

On May 20, Binta Nyako, the presiding judge, rejected Kanu’s bail application and his request to be transferred from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison.

Speaking through his lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, Kanu expressed his desire to initiate negotiations under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act. This section allows the court to promote reconciliation and facilitate amicable settlements.

During the court session, Ejimakor submitted two applications on behalf of Kanu. The first application, Form 49, was filed against the federal government and DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi for allegedly failing to comply with a court order. The second application challenged the court’s jurisdiction. Ejimakor indicated that if these applications were denied, he would push for the implementation of Section 17 to seek negotiation.

Adegboyega Awomolo, representing the federal government, responded by stating that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government and that Kanu should direct his request to the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Judge Nyako emphasized that the court’s role is not to act as a solicitor but to hear and adjudicate cases.