The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked by an unexpected apology from his legal team.

Shortly after appearances were taken, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), addressed the court, offering an apology on behalf of his client. Agabi acknowledged that Kanu had been angry for a long time and admitted that some of his past remarks, particularly those directed at Justice Binta Nyako, were unjustified.

He further apologized to the prosecution team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), as well as to his own legal team, whom Kanu had previously criticized.

“He is a good man, but we all don’t have the same perspectives. There must be room for errors, and we should strive to save rather than destroy,” Agabi pleaded.

In response, the prosecution accepted the apology, with Awomolo acknowledging the high emotions and tension surrounding the case. He reassured the court of his team’s commitment to ensuring a fair and expeditious trial.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, also weighed in on the matter, noting the prolonged legal battle, which began in 2015, had undoubtedly taken a toll on Kanu.

“When he was first arraigned, he was 47. Now, he is 57 and still uncertain about his fate. This may have led him to make some regrettable statements,” Omotosho said, while also extending an apology on Kanu’s behalf to the prosecution.

Following this, the seven-count charge against Kanu was read out, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution confirmed its readiness to proceed with the trial, and the defence did not object.

Recognizing the protracted nature of the case, Justice Omotosho granted an accelerated hearing, adjourning the trial to April 29, May 2, and May 6 for substantive proceedings.

The case was re-assigned to Justice Omotosho following a request from Kanu’s legal team for a new judge, citing allegations of bias.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, in a letter dated March 4, 2025, informed Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, of the re-assignment.

Justice Binta Nyako had previously withdrawn from the case on September 24, 2024, stating that she could not proceed with a trial where the defendant lacked confidence in the court. Before her, Justice Ahmed Mohammed (now elevated to the Appeal Court) and Justice Tsoho (before becoming CJ) had also presided over the trial before Kanu requested their removal.

Unlike previous proceedings, Nnamdi Kanu remained calm throughout his re-arraignment on Friday.