The leader of the Biafra nation agitators, Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday pleaded not guilty to the terrorism charges levelled against him by the federal government.
The embattled IPOB leader made the declaration in Abuja at his fresh arraignment before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
When the seven-count charge was read to him, Kanu denied the accusations, saying he never threatened Nigeria’s corporate existence or operated an illegal radio station to broadcast the Biafra messages.
After his plea was taken, the federal government counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced to the court his readiness to conduct prosecution in line with the spirit and letters of the Supreme Court that ordered fresh trial.
He asked for an adjournment to enable him to assemble his witnesses and also applied for accelerated hearing, which was granted by the court.
There was no objection as to the request and having not objected by the defence counsel led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, Justice James Kolawole Omotosho fixed April 29 and May 2 and 6, 2025 for full blown trial.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had, in a letter dated March 4, 2025 and addressed to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, communicated the re-assignment of the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho.
Meanwhile, Kanu has formally apologised to the Federal High Court Justices Binta Nyako and Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, over his misconduct at the last proceedings of his trial on the terrorism charges.
He pleaded passionately for forgiveness and promised to be of good conduct throughout the duration of his trial.
Kanu’s apology was contained in a prepared speech delivered by his lead counsel and former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Kanu Agabi.
In a brief remark, Awomolo said he was moved by the plea and had forgiven Kanu for all he said against him.