He was arrested on Thursday by armed policemen within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity with the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The police, it was gathered, insisted that Sowore must go with them to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command headquarters.

Sowore, it would be recalled, on Monday, led the “Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest” in Abuja.

Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, in the 2023 mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration.

The protest was despite the order by Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, restraining the protesters from going near certain areas within the FCT, particularly, presidential villa, popularly referred to as Aso Rock.

During the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

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Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling, struck out the suit for lack of diligent prosecution.

When the matter was called on Thursday, neither Kanu nor the federal government was represented by any lawyer.

Justice Ekwo observed that in the last adjourned day, while no lawyer was in court for the IPOB leader, the federal government was represented in court by a counsel.

The judge, who said that the case had taken three adjournments due to no representation, consequently struck out the case.

Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

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He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws.”

Specifically, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa.”

Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.”

He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.”

In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services, DSS, custody.

He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action.”

But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the federal government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process.”

Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.

They further argued that the two defendants were parties in the suit.

According to the defendants, this renders this suit as an abuse of court process that deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the instant suit.

Aloy Ejimakor had, in one of the proceedings, told Justice Ekwo that he had filed a notice for a change of counsel.

Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

Source: NAN

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Kanu, through his new counsel and former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, tendered an apology to the judge and the court.

The IPOB leader also apologised to the Federal Government’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for his attack on the senior lawyer.

Besides, he tendered an apology to Kanu’s own team of lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor for castigating them without reservation before Justice Nyako.

Earlier when the matter was called, Agabi sought the court’s leave to deliver a message on Kanu’s behalf.

He said he had already discussed the development with the lawyer to the prosecution, Chief Awomolo, and he had agreed with him.

Justice Omotosho granted the application.

Agabi, in the message titled: “Apology By Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Delivered on His Behalf by Kanu G. Agabi, SAN, CON,” urged everyone to forgive his client.

According to Agabi, we may have reason to be angry but we must be careful what we say when we are angry.

“That is why we are urged not to sail in a storm. The defendant in this case, Nnamdi Kanu was angry.

“He has been angry for a long time and therefore, he should not have spoken when he was angry.

“But he did. And he said the wrong things. He attacked the court. He attacked the prosecutor. He attacked his own lawyers.

“For that reason, he has authorised me to apologise on his behalf.

“He is sorry for his attacks on the judge, on the prosecutor and on his defence team.

“Firstly, I apologise to the Hon. Justice Binta Nyako. She is one of our best and most respected judges. She did not deserve the attacks upon her.

“They were unjustified.

“We apologise to Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Chairman of the Body of Benchers and leader of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Abuja.

“Chief Awomolo has since distinguished himself by his humility, his dedication to the profession.

“He deserves our highest respect,” he said.

Agabi equally apologised to Kanu’s team of lawyers earlier led by Aloy Ejimakor for castigating them without reservation.

“It is a credit to the members of that team that they still agree to defend him.

“It is clear from all that has transpired that he acted in anger.

“He spared no one. But by behaving the way he did, he imperiled himself more than any other person.

“I appeal to all those he offended to forgive him,” the ex-AGF begged.

According to him, “I think of him as a good man.”

“We cannot all be of one mind. I respect the fact that when he felt that he had cause to disagree, his courage did not fail him to take a stand.

“And I respect the fact that when the government felt that he had exceeded the bounds of law, measures were taken to correct him.

“Like all men and women, he is not perfect. He holds himself out as representing, the cause of the Igbos.

“On my part, I see the Igbos, as a people who are irrepressible. They are a forward looking, hardworking and intelligent people.

“They are a very resilient people. They are an adventurous and fearless people.

“Who can oppress such a people? There are, in the nation, communities that can be described as oppressed, but surely not the Igbos.

“The Igbos are a people who, even now, are rendering a good account of the talents that God gave them.

“They have never wallowed in self-pity. There is urgent need to plead the cause of the oppressed in this country.

“A strong and fearless voice such as Nnamdi Kanu will aid that cause. And if he does so, that is what will truly immortalise him and exalt the name of the Lord and serve the cause of the unity of our country.

“I commend to us all the example of Col. Fajuyi, a Yoruba man, who laid down his life for Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, an Igbo man.

“These are the kinds of men and women that the nation shall remember and immortalise,” he said.

Agabi said there is a time for all things.

According to him, this is the time for peace.

“We can and must make peace. The nation is rife with misgivings. There will always be misgivings.

“A time will never come when, as a nation, we shall all be of one mind.

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“Whatever our misgivings, therefore, whether on the part of the government or the citizens, we must make allowance for error and proceed with prayer for forgiveness, just in case we may be wrong.

“In resolving our differences therefore, we must strive to save and not to destroy. Let us employ methods of peace and non-violence to resolve our differences.

“We must unite. Whether we are Christians or Muslims, whether we come from the east or the west, the north or the south, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are all children of God and citizens of one nation.

“We must reach out to one another across state and religious lines. We must forget the past and forge a new nation of peace, founded on truth and justice.

“The Nigeria of my dream is that in which Nigerians of whatever religion or tribe, whatever their states of origin, will hold high offices in states other than their own.”

He urged all Nigerians to strive for a more integrated, more united, more efficient and more peaceful nation.

His words: “We must all work ceaselessly for peace and unity. No price is too great to be paid for peace.

“We are never going to have peace until we are willing to go the extra mile, to turn the other cheek and to add our coat when our cloak is taken.

“We should not lose sight of the supreme price that the Son of God Himself paid that we may have the peace that we are now dissipating.

“As he took our burdens upon himself in order that we may be reconciled to God, so we must be willing to take upon ourselves the burdens of one another so that, together we can build a nation of righteousness and peace.”

Citing a biblical allusion, Agabi tasked all Nigerians to let the peace and unity of the country be paramount in all they do.

After Kanu’s lawyer concluded the reading of the message, Justice Omotosho asked Chief Awomolo to respond to the letter.

Responding, Awomolo who said he was moved by Kanu’s plea, said he had forgiven him for all that he said against him.

He said he was not a persecutor as misconceived by Kanu but a prosecutor, and that he, together with Agabi, would do their duty professionally towards ensuring that the matter is expeditiously disposed of.

“We understand the heat in the land over this matter, and I and Chief Agabi, SAN, will do our duty to ensure that this matter is expeditiously disposed of,” he said

Awomolo thanked Agabi for delivering Kanu’s message, describing the ex-AGF as “a man who has served this nation with all his knowledge.”

He admitted that Kanu’s lead counsel spoke to him earlier on the matter and that he gave him a copy of the message and sought his permission to read it in the open court.

“I want to say that I have forgiven all that Kanu said about me,” he said.

The judge said though he was not there when they had the agreement, he was also moved to tender apology on Kanu’s behalf.

Justice Omotosho said when he read the case file from page to page, he discovered that the trial started in 2015.

He said back then when the trial began, Kanu was 47 years old.

“Now, our brother is 57 years. For 10 years, he has faced trial.”

“If someone faces trial for 10 years without knowing where he is going, it is enough to offend anybody

“I apologise on his behalf,” the judge said.

Quoting Mathew 23:23, Justice Omotosho said the Holy Bible lays emphasis on three key words; justice, faith and mercy.

He said justice must be administered with mercy and faith.

He said whatever one does, one must know that one would surely give account to God in the last day.

“Therefore, justice is the key word. We will do justice according to the law and according to our conscience. God be with us, we will achieve that.

“We have to do justice speedily. We cannot afford to allow this case to take another 10 years,” he said.

Justice Omotosho thanked the two senior lawyers for their disposition to the matter.

Shortly after this, Kanu was re-arraigned on amended seven-count charge bordering on terrorism.

The IPOB leader, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts and the judge ordered an accelerated hearing of the matter.

Justice Omotosho then adjourned the matter until April 29, May 2 and May 6 for trial.

Source: NAN

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Justice Binta Nyako, gave the order after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal.

Justice Nyako had, on September 24, 2024, recused (withdrew) herself from the trial of Kanu, after an oral application from the defence and the case file was transferred to the chief judge.

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However, the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho sent the Kanu’s case file back to Justice Nyako for adjudication, insisting that a formal application must be made by the defence before the recusal could be accepted.

Source: NAN

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The matter, which was fixed for today, could not proceed because Justice Ekwo was on official engagement.

The judge was said to be sitting in another division of the court.

The case was subsequently fixed for February 11, 2025 for further mention.

Aloy Ejimakor had, in one of the proceedings, told Justice Ekwo that he had filed a notice for a change of counsel.

Ejimakor told the court that he would be taking over the case from Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who filed the suit on April 7, 2022.

Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.

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Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.

He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws.”

Particularly, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa.”

Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.

He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria.”

In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services, DSS’ custody.

He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.

Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.

But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the federal government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process”.

Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.

They further argued that the two defendants were parties in the suit.

According to the defendants, this renders this suit as an abuse of court process that deprived the court of the jurisdiction to entertain the instant suit.

Source: NAN

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Justice Nyako withdrew from the case following oral applications by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, upon resumed hearing in the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the federal government.

At the resumed hearing, the federal government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, said the matter was not continuation of trial and he was ready to proceed.

But Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, asked the court to adjourn the trial due to two pending appeals challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

Awomolo argued that a criminal trial cannot be stalled because of a pending appeal and that the defence should file for a stay of proceedings at the appellate court.

The judge stated that the parties should not delay the matter, having ruled that the court would not attend to any applications until the end of the trial.

Ejimakor insisted it was inappropriate to continue with the trial when he had not adequately prepared his client.

He asserted that all court orders directing that his client should be allowed to prepare for his defence had allegedly been disobeyed.

Justice Nyako then directed that a prosecution witness be called.

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While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu stood up from his seat in the dock and ordered him (Ejimakor) to sit down in anger.

“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu screamed from the dock.

He insisted that the Supreme Court had ruled that his fundamental rights should not be violated by the detaining authority, especially regarding access to his lawyers.

Turning to Justice Nyako, the IPOB leader said: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“I can understand it if the DSS refuse to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.

“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case,” Kanu stated.

But Awomolo countered the argument on the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered in 2023.

He argued that the apex court mandated the lower court to proceed with the hearing and determination of Kanu’s trial.

He stated that Kanu’s claims did not align with the Supreme Court’s verdict.

“This is clearly an incompetent and audacious observation,” Awomolo said.

The judge responded that, as far as she was concerned, there was nothing in the Supreme Court’s lead judgment that supported Kanu’s assertion.

She expressed surprise that Kanu would stand up and yell at his counsel.

“I hereby recuse myself from this case and remit the file to the Chief Judge for further necessary action,” Nyako stated.

The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.

Awomolo expressed his appreciation to the judge, lamenting that it was a very unfortunate day.

Source: NAN

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Kanu, through his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday filed Form 49 titled: “Notice to Show Cause Why An Order Of Committal Should Not Be Made,” at the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

The application, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, is dated and filed on June 10.

While the Federal Republic of Nigeria is listed as complainant/1st respondent, Yusuf Magaji Bichi is listed as 2nd respondent/contemnor.

The IPOB leader alleged that despite being served with the orders of the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako of a FHC in Abuja, made on May 20, Bichi had refused to comply with the said orders.

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Justice Nyako had, on May 20, declined to grant an application filed by Kanu to set aside his 2017 bail revocation following the allegation that he jumped bail.

The judge also refused to transfer him to Kuje Correctional Centre or place him under house arrest as requested.

However, Justice Nyako reviewed conditions for visiting the IPOB leader at the DSS facility by his lawyers.

In a ruling, she varied the visitation days from two to three days in a week.

The judge ordered that Kanu should be given a safe and “clean” room to prepare for his defence with his team of counsel not exceeding five in number, instead of three lawyers that was formerly directed.

She equally ordered that Kanu and his lawyers should be allowed such a facility that is required for the preparation of his defence and be allowed to take notes.

However, in the application, Kanu alleged that the DSS DG had failed to abide by the orders.

It reads in part: “Take Notice that the Defendant will on the ____day of _______, 2024, at the hour of 9 O’clock in the forenoon apply to this court for an order for your committal to prison for having disobeyed the order of this court made on the 20th day of May 2024, which stated in pertinent part as follows:

“You have not complied with the 3 (three) days per week visitation to the Applicant as was ordered by the court.

“You have not provided a safe and ‘clean’ room to the Applicant at the present facility to prepare for his defense with his team of counsel.

“You have not allowed such facility that is required for the preparation of the Applicant’s defence, which facility you have disallowed on every visitation since the said order was entered, as set out below:

“Interdiction, seizure, perusal and photocopying of legal documents relating to the trial preparation of the Applicant.

“By not retracing your steps after you were, on the 31st day of May 2024, served with a Form 48; Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court.

“AND TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you are hereby required to attend the court on the first-mentioned day to show cause why an Order for your Committal should not be made.”

Source: NAN

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