The Federal Government on Friday re-arraigned Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on an amended terrorism-related charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu, appearing before Justice James Omotosho, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
His re-arraignment followed a message delivered by his new counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, shortly after the case was called.
The message, titled “Apology By Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” was addressed to the court, Justice Binta Nyako, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, who represented the Federal Government, and Kanu’s former legal team led by Aloy Ejimakor. Kanu expressed regret for previous attacks, stating that they were driven by anger.
Kanu had previously been re-arraigned before Justice Nyako on 15 amended counts after his extradition from Kenya in June 2021. On April 8, 2022, the trial court struck out eight of those charges, leaving seven. These remaining charges were later quashed by the Court of Appeal on October 13, 2025. The Federal Government, however, challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court, which granted a stay of execution. On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Federal Government’s appeal, ruling that Kanu must face trial on the remaining counts.
Before reading the charges, Justice Omotosho adjusted the numbering, renaming count eight as count six and count 15 as count seven. Kanu subsequently pleaded not guilty to all seven charges.
Following the plea, Chief Awomolo informed the court of his readiness to proceed with the prosecution, in line with the Supreme Court’s directive for a fresh trial. He requested a trial date to assemble witnesses and applied for an accelerated hearing. Chief Agabi did not oppose the application, and Justice Omotosho granted the request, setting April 29, May 2, and May 6 as trial dates.
The Federal Government accused Kanu of making broadcasts that incited violence across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. He allegedly issued a sit-at-home order and warned that those who defied it should prepare their wills. The prosecution claimed his directives led to widespread shutdowns of businesses, schools, and transportation, as well as attacks on security personnel and their families. His alleged actions, according to the government, violate the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act of 2013.
The charges further state that Kanu directed IPOB members to manufacture bombs. He was also accused of illegally importing a Tram 50L radio transmitter into Nigeria between March and April 2015, allegedly concealing it as used household items. The government argued that these acts violated the Criminal Code Act, Cap C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Throughout the proceedings, Kanu, dressed in his usual sportswear, remained calm and composed. The case is set to resume on April 29.
(NAN)