Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly apologized for his behavior during a previous court session in his ongoing trial for terrorism-related charges.
His apology was directed at the Federal High Court, Justice Binta Nyako, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo.
Kanu, who had previously lashed out in court, expressed deep regret over his actions. His apology was delivered through a prepared speech read by his lead counsel, Mr. Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
During the address, Agabi explained that while Kanu had reasons to be frustrated, he should not have allowed anger to take control. He acknowledged that Kanu had verbally attacked the judge, the prosecution, and even his own legal team during the last proceedings.
“In expressing his anger, he attacked the Federal High Court, he attacked Justice Binta Nyako, he attacked the prosecutor, and he attacked his own lawyers,” Agabi read from the prepared statement.
He went on to offer a heartfelt plea for forgiveness on Kanu’s behalf, stating that Justice Nyako and Awomolo did not deserve the harsh words directed at them.
“I hereby apologize to Justice Binta Nyako. She did not deserve the unjust attack. I apologize to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. He deserves the highest respect. He was castigated without reservations,” the statement continued.
Kanu’s legal team also emphasized that their client is not a perfect man but is committed to defending the interests of the Igbo people. Agabi urged that any grievances be settled peacefully rather than through hostility.
In response, Awomolo accepted the apology, stating that he had no ill will toward Kanu. He clarified that he was merely a prosecutor, not a persecutor, and was focused on ensuring a fair and swift resolution of the case.
