Nnamdi Kanu Apologises Over Attacks on Judge, Others

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly apologised for his recent attacks on the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, and other individuals involved in his trial.

The apology was delivered through his new legal representative, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, before Justice James Omotosho, the new judge handling his case.

Kanu also extended his apologies to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Awomolo, SAN, and his former legal team, previously led by Aloy Ejimakor, acknowledging his harsh criticisms toward them during court proceedings.

At the resumed trial on Friday, March 21, Kanu’s new lead counsel, Chief Agabi, requested the court’s permission to deliver a message on his behalf.

“My Lord, my client, Nnamdi Kanu, has asked me to express his deep regrets and offer an unreserved apology for his past remarks and actions against the court, the prosecution, and his former legal representatives.”

Justice Omotosho granted the request, allowing the apology to be formally recorded in court proceedings.

Kanu was re-arrested and extradited from Kenya in June 2021 to face terrorism-related charges in Nigeria. His trial has faced multiple delays and legal battles, including his demand for a change of judge due to allegations of bias.

Initially, the case was handled by Justice Binta Nyako, who withdrew on September 24, 2024, after Kanu and his legal team repeatedly challenged her neutrality.

Following her recusal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho on March 4, 2025.

Kanu is expected to take his plea again as the case starts afresh (de novo) under Justice Omotosho’s oversight.

His apology signals a new legal strategy aimed at improving relations with the court, but it remains to be seen how this will impact the outcome of his trial.

With Kanu’s legal battles continuing, the case remains one of Nigeria’s most high-profile and politically sensitive trials.