Nnamdi Kanu Apologises For Attacking Judge Nyako, Pleads Not Guilty In Fresh Charges

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has apologized to the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako.

He also tendered an apology to the federal government’s lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), for his outburst during his last court appearance on terrorism charges.

During his re-arraignment before a new judge on Friday, Kanu pleaded for forgiveness and promised to conduct himself properly throughout his trial.

His apology was delivered in a statement read by his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation.

In his speech, Nnamdi Kanu specifically asked Justice Nyako and Mr. Awomolo to forgive and forget his past remarks against them.

This follows an incident on February 10, when he angrily accused Justice Nyako of handling his case due to corruption allegations involving her husband and son—claims he provided no evidence for.

Kadu did not provide evidence to back his allegations, nor was the judge present to defend herself. His comments led to an adjournment, and Justice Nyako withdrew to her chambers.

Following this heated exchange, the case was reassigned to Justice James Omotosho.

At Friday’s hearing, Agabi admitted that while Kanu had reasons to be upset, he should not have spoken in anger.

He said, “Mr Kanu had cause to be angry but ought not to have spoken when anger overwhelmed him.

“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor and his own lawyers. I hereby apologise to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack.

“I apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations.”

Agabi also acknowledged that while Kanu is fighting for the Igbo people, he is not infallible.

“We may have misgivings, but we must seek forgiveness. In resolving our differences, let us employ peace and not violence to resolve our differences,” he pleaded.

In response, Mr. Awomolo accepted the apology, stating, “I am not a persecutor but a prosecutor, and we work to ensure quick resolution of the charges.”

During his arraignment on Friday, Nnamdi Kanu pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges filed against him by the federal government.

Kanu appeared before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho under heavy security provided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Dressed in his usual white sportswear, he denied all seven charges read against him, including allegations of threatening Nigeria’s unity and operating an illegal radio station to promote Biafra.

Following Kanu’s plea, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) informed the court that he was prepared to proceed with the case as directed by the Supreme Court, which had ordered a fresh trial.

He requested an adjournment to allow time to gather witnesses and also sought an accelerated hearing, which the court granted.

With no objections from Kanu’s defense team, led by Kanu Agabi, Justice Omotosho scheduled the trial to begin on April 29 and continue on May 2 and 6, 2025.

KanyiDaily recalls that in February, Nnamdi Kanu appeared in court, questioning the jurisdiction of Justice Binta Nyako over his ongoing trial.