Nnamdi Kanu Pleads Not Guilty to Terrorism, Treason Charges

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been re-arraigned before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony.

Kanu’s trial started anew following the reassignment of his case file to Justice Omotosho. The previous judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had recused herself from the case due to allegations of bias by Kanu.

The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015 and was granted bail in 2017. However, he escaped from the country after soldiers invaded his home, leading to the death of some of his followers. Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and has been in detention ever since.

The court had previously struck out eight out of the 15-count charge against Kanu, and the Court of Appeal had ordered his release. However, the Supreme Court vacated the judgment and allowed the federal government to proceed with the trial on the remaining seven-count charge.

Kanu’s legal team, now led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Kanu Agabi, SAN, tendered an apology to the former trial judge and the prosecution counsel over Kanu’s outburst in court on February 10.

VANGUARD