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Nnamdi Kanu Denounces South-East Killings, Seeks Out-of-Court Settlement

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 20, 2024

News Views: 92

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has publicly denounced the killings in the South-East associated with the group’s secessionist agitation. Kanu, who has been detained since 2021 following his re-arrest in Kenya and repatriation to Nigeria, made this appeal for peace and an out-of-court settlement during his appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

In a viral video, Kanu condemned all forms of violence, stating, “I condemn any manner of killing. Every manner of killing, I condemn in its entirety. IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle and we maintain that up till this very day. We are fighting for freedom, then how can we fight death at the same time? It’s not possible; we want people to be free. That’s all we’re fighting for, nothing more.”

At the court proceedings, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, informed Justice Binta Nyako and the prosecuting counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), of the defense’s desire for an out-of-court settlement. Ejimakor complained about the Department of State Services (DSS) not fully complying with court orders to allow the legal team unrestricted access to Kanu for trial preparation. He noted that the DSS had bugged Kanu’s cell, prompting the legal team to initiate contempt proceedings against the DSS Director General.

Ejimakor invoked Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which allows for reconciliation and amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters. However, Awomolo stated that the authority to negotiate an out-of-court settlement rests with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), not the prosecuting counsel.

Justice Nyako advised Kanu’s team to approach the AGF for such negotiations and ordered the DSS to provide an “unbugged space” for Kanu to meet with his lawyers.

Kanu has also filed a fresh application before the court, seeking the dismissal of charges against him on the grounds of unconstitutionality, arguing that the prosecution did not specify the location of the alleged offensive broadcast. The judge, however, dismissed this application, stating that the court could not overrule itself on previously resolved issues.

Meanwhile, the apex Igbo sociopolitical group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, welcomed Kanu’s proposal for an out-of-court settlement and his call to end violence in the South-East. Chief Vincent Aham, Deputy Vice-President (South-East) of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, expressed optimism that Kanu’s release could reduce regional tensions and urged President Bola Tinubu to heed the call for Kanu’s release.

Aham stated, “It is a welcome development the call by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to seek negotiation with the FG. Elder statesmen… had sought political solutions and negotiation over the release of Kanu… But despite all the efforts, Buhari refused to release him till he left office. We are still watching and expect that the Federal Government release him so that insecurity will end in the region.”