Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra ,IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has stated that on the contrary, it was the Federal High Court in Abuja that directed the Nigerian government and IPOB leader to pursue reconciliation.
Similarly, Kanu in an interview with TVC reporter pointed out that it is up to Nigerian government to opt for out-of court settlement, adding that the government was yet to justify under any local or international law why he was kidnap from Kenya and illegally brought back to Nigeria.
Kanu further stated that although the out-of court settlement was not his idea, the IPOB leader was not opposed to it either.
The clarification came after some media reports claim that the IPOB leader sought to negotiate with the Nigerian government.
Clarifying on the matter, the IPOB lawyer said that contrary to reports by a section of the media that Kanu has opted to negotiate with the Nigerian government, the out of court settlement was rather initiated by Federal High Court.
The lawyer explained that it was the court that invoked its powers under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act and issued the directive.
Ejimakor said, “Today, invoking its powers under Section 17 of the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to explore the prospects of reconciliation or political solution in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu.
“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 private prosecutor representing the Federal government, Ademoyega Awomolo (SAN) told the Court that he has no objection to political settlement or solution of the case but Kanu’s lawyers should discuss it directly with the Attorney-General.
“In the same vein, Kanu’s lead counsel Aloy Ejimakor expressed no objection to political settlement.”
Kanu had filed an application before the court seeking to move form 49, and a second application which objected to the court’s jurisdiction to try him.
Kanu is facing trial on terrorism charges levelled against by former President Muhammadu Buhari administration over his call and agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra.
The case was adjourned to September 24 for further hearing.
