Nnamdi Kanu’s Apology a Major Turning Point – Idam, Ibegbu

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has apologized to the Nigerian judiciary during his latest court appearance, a move that stakeholders have described as a step toward a diplomatic resolution to his prolonged detention.

Kanu, through his new lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, tendered an apology before Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court. The apology was specifically directed at the Nigerian government’s legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, following his past verbal attacks on Justice Binta Nyako.

The IPOB leader has been on trial for nearly a decade over his push for the actualization of Biafra. In September 2024, during a court hearing on terrorism-related charges, Kanu openly confronted Justice Nyako, accusing her of bias and demanding her recusal from his case. He alleged that she was being influenced by the Nigerian government due to corruption cases involving her family members.

However, Kanu’s new counsel, Agabi, described him as a good man who, like anyone else, is prone to errors but deserves fair treatment.

Kanu’s Apology Will Work in His Favor – Idam

Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has commended Kanu’s decision to apologize, stating that it will help improve his image before the court.

“I must commend Nnamdi Kanu and his family for bringing Kanu Agabi into his defense. It was a thoughtful decision. The apology rendered to the court was a necessary step, considering what transpired at the last hearing. Kanu needs to be seen as a defendant deserving of judicial leniency,” Idam told Daily Post.

He emphasized that no individual, no matter their status, is above the court, adding that Kanu’s new legal approach is more strategic.

Idam also clarified that Kanu’s apology does not imply an admission of guilt.

“The apology is not a confession. It does not mean he has accepted the charges against him. It was simply a show of respect for the court, especially under a new judge who might already have a perception of Kanu’s past courtroom behavior,” he explained.

Calls for Kanu’s Release

Idam further urged the Nigerian government to release Kanu, arguing that his continued detention serves no purpose.

“Kanu’s detention has not helped to stabilize the Southeast. In fact, the crisis in the region has only worsened. The government stands to gain more by releasing him because he would be in a better position to calm tensions,” he added.

Kanu’s Former Lawyers Were Too Emotional – Idam

Idam also criticized Kanu’s previous legal team, claiming they were too emotionally involved in the case, which may have affected their defense strategy.

“His previous lawyers were activists in their own right. Their approach was as aggressive as Kanu’s, which was not beneficial to the case. Agabi brings experience, neutrality, and legal expertise that will likely yield better results,” he noted.

Kanu’s Trial is Political, Tinubu May Release Him – Ibegbu

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, has described Kanu’s trial as politically motivated, insisting that it requires a political solution.

“There is nothing wrong with his apology. Situations are dynamic, and I believe President Bola Tinubu may release him soon,” Ibegbu stated.

With Kanu’s legal strategy now taking a more conciliatory approach, many observers believe that his case could take a new turn, possibly leading to his eventual release.