The Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his intention to seek negotiations with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 following his arrest in Kenya. He faces terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government.
Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act stipulates that “In any proceeding in the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
Kanu's lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, conveyed this intention in court on Wednesday, presenting two applications: one to move form 49 and another challenging the court's jurisdiction. Ejimakor stated that if these applications were denied, they would invoke section 17 to seek an amicable settlement.
However, the counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, noted that he lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the government, suggesting that Kanu should approach the Attorney General instead.
Justice Binta Nyako responded that the court's role was to adjudicate cases, not act as a solicitor.
Kanu, present with his legal team, also addressed the violence in the South-East, denying any involvement in the recent killings of soldiers in Abia State. He condemned the violence, reaffirming IPOB's commitment to non-violence and peace.
“I condemn in its entirety all of the killings, because IPOB was founded on a non-violent principle, and we maintain that stand. And some of these soldiers, we were told, are also our people, and their families are in mourning right now," Kanu stated.
He emphasized that their struggle was for freedom and peace, not violence, highlighting the historical suffering of Africans and the need to focus on the continent's progress.