The wife of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mrs. Uchechi Kanu, has clarified the reasons behind her husband’s recent apology in court, stating that it was a necessary legal strategy to facilitate his defense.
In a statement personally signed and released to the press on Saturday, Mrs. Kanu explained that the apology was crucial to ensuring a smooth legal process under Kanu’s new lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN.
She noted that Chief Agabi, a respected legal figure and former Attorney-General, had to address the courtroom decorum concerns stemming from Kanu’s previous outbursts in Justice Binta Nyako’s court, which ultimately led to the judge’s recusal.
“In court today, my husband, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, acknowledged the necessity for Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, the new lead counsel, to address the court of Justice James Omotosho regarding what transpired at Binta Nyako’s court, which shook the foundations of the Nigerian judiciary,” the statement read.
Mrs. Kanu emphasized that Chief Agabi’s role was not just legal representation but also a strategic move to mend relations with the judiciary and ensure a fair hearing.
“Chief Agabi, stepping into Onyendu’s brief, acted to smooth over ruffled feathers in certain segments of the bar and bench, caused by Onyendu’s legitimate, anger-fueled outbursts against Justice Binta Nyako’s court,” she stated.
The statement further revealed that Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the latest hearing, acknowledged Kanu’s prolonged legal ordeal and offered an apology for the delays and mishandling of his case.
Mrs. Kanu described Chief Agabi’s approach as a measured balance between defending her husband’s grievances and upholding the dignity of the court.
“I suggest we read the full text of the statement before offering comments. Chief Agabi spoke in his own personal capacity, and his vision for an amicable resolution and peaceful co-existence. It is not rocket science,” she concluded.