Says He Was Angry for Too Long, Begs for Room to Err
ABUJA – March 21, 2025 | IDNN JUSTICE & SECURITY
In a courtroom moment that surprised many observers, Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has issued a public apology for his past verbal attacks on Justice Binta Nyako, the Federal High Court, and senior legal figures involved in his ongoing trial.
Through his newly appointed lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN—a former Attorney-General of the Federation—Kanu conveyed deep regret and took responsibility for unjustified statements he made in anger. The apology was delivered on Friday before Justice James Omotosho, the new judge overseeing the case.
Agabi emphasized that Kanu had acted out of prolonged frustration and conceded that his harsh words against Justice Nyako and his former legal team were misplaced. He further extended apologies to Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the Federal Government’s lead prosecutor, and the chairman of the Body of Benchers.
“He was angry for a very long time,” Agabi stated. “He’s a good man. We must make room for errors and strive to save, not destroy.”
The court accepted the apology, with Awomolo acknowledging the emotional strain of the trial and expressing readiness to expedite proceedings. Justice Omotosho echoed similar sentiments, noting the toll a 10-year legal limbo has had on the accused.
“When he was arraigned in 2015, he was 47. Now he is 57. He doesn’t know where this ends,” the judge noted, implying that time and uncertainty may have triggered some of Kanu’s outbursts.
The courtroom exchange signals a potential shift in tone as legal teams push to move forward from the contentious delays and escalations that have dogged the case for years.
