The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday, expressed willingness to seek negotiations with the Federal Government.
Kanu anchored his move for a negotiation with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act
The IPOB leader has been detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, since 2021 when he was re-arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria.
Since his return, the IPOB leader has been facing trial for terrorism-related charges before an Abuja Federal High Court.
Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act states that “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof”.
Speaking through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Kanu informed the Abuja Federal High Court of his negotiations after he moved two applications brought before the court.
The first application is to move for form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.
Ejimakor said if the applications are denied they will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Responding, the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government, as the fiat given to him does not empower him to negotiate.
He added that the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the federation.
In her reply, Justice Binta Nyako said the court was not a solicitor, but to only hear cases.
