The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday, expressed willingness to seek dialogue with the Federal Government.
According to Kanu, his decision is premised on section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states that “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.
Nnamdi Kanu, through his lead counsel Alloy Ejimakor, informed the Abuja Federal High Court about ongoing negotiations as he presented two applications. The first application sought Form 49, and the second challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
Ejimakor stated that if these applications were denied, they would request the implementation of Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
In response, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, noted that he had previously informed the defendant that his authorization did not include negotiating on behalf of the Federal Government.
Adegboyega Awomolo further suggested that the defendant should contact the Attorney General of the Federation for negotiations.
Justice Binta Nyako responded that the court’s role is not to act as a solicitor but to hear cases.
The IPOB leader has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his re-arrest in Kenya and subsequent repatriation to Nigeria.
Since then, he has been on trial for terrorism-related charges before an Abuja Federal High Court.
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