Terrorism trial: Explore political solution for Nnamdi Kanu’s case, court orders FG

• The order was sequel to the invocation of the court’s power under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act

The Abuja Federal High Court has enjoined the Nigerian government and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to settle their protracted case without recourse to legal  maneuvers and judicial back-and-forths.

Justice Binta Nyako ordered the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi and Kanu to explore political solution and reconciliation in the ongoing terrorism trial.

The Wednesday order was sequel to the invocation of the court’s power under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act provides that, “In any proceedings in the Court, the Court may promote reconciliation among the parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”

Responding, the prosecutor, Ademoyega Awomolo, SAN, told the court that he has no objection to political settlement of the case.

Awomolo said the court should direct Kanu’s lawyers to discuss directly with the Attorney-General.

Kanu’s Lead Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, did not express objection to political settlement of the case.

Thereafter, Justice Nyako adjourned the case till September 24 for further hearing.

Kanu had been incarcerated since June 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria.

Several bodies, including the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had urged President Bola Tinubu to consider a political solution to Kanu’s continued detention.

Last month, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, asked the Federal Government to explore political solution to address the Nnamdi Kanu’s imbroglio after five soldiers were killed in Abia State.