The trial judge and the prosecuting counsel in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu before the Federal High Court in Abuja have distanced themselves from his intention to settle.
Justice Binta Nyako and Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged Kanu’s counsel to reach out to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is on trial on a seven-count amended charge of terrorism, treasonable felony and related offences.
Defence counsel Alloy Ejimakor said his client wanted the court to invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Rules, which he said, provides for “reconciliation” and facilitation of amicable settlement in criminal or civil cases.
He said: “Section 17 of Federal High Court Rules states that, in any proceedings, the court may consider reconciliation and settlement.”
Ejimakor claimed to have discussed the proposal with Awomolo.
Awomolo admitted Ejimakor’s claim.
“I told him (Ejimakor) to go to the AGF, who has the power.
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“If he is interested in negotiating, he should go there; his (the AGF’s) office is just here,” Awomolo said, pointing to a building close to the Federal High Court complex.
“If he is interested in negotiating, he knows the right place, the AGF’s office,” the SAN added.
Justice Nyako said her court had no problem with either the defence or both parties negotiating.
“If you want to discuss with the AGF, no problem at all,” the judge said.
Ejimakor told the court that he filed two applications.
The first seeks the committal of the Director General of the Department of the Department of State Services (DSS) to prison for allegedly failing to abide by the court’s order.
The other application, Ejimakor said, is contesting the court’s jurisdiction to further try Kanu.
Justice Nyako observed that both applications were not in the court’s file.
She adjourned till September 25.