Separatist Kanu faces new trial in Nigeria under fourth judge

Separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu pleaded not guilty to seven charges. These include terrorism and treason in a new trial in Nigeria. A fourth judge is now overseeing the case.

Kanu is a British citizen and leads the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement. He was first arrested in 2015 but disappeared while on bail in 2017.

In 2021, he was arrested in Kenya and charged with terrorism in Nigeria. Kanu has consistently pleaded not guilty.

Judge James Omotosho, the new presiding judge, set trial dates for April 29, May 2, and May 6.

Kanu's trial has faced many delays and judicial recusals. His bail applications have been denied twice, leading him to seek negotiations with the Nigerian government.

Kanu Agabi, a senior lawyer now leading Kanu's defense, apologized to Judge Binta Nyako. She recently recused herself from the case. He also apologized to prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo and Kanu's lawyer Alloy Ejimakor for past outbursts by Kanu.

Kanu's IPOB advocates for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. This region is predominantly Igbo ethnic group members. Nigerian authorities have labeled IPOB as a terrorist organization.

A civil war that began in 1967 resulted in over a million deaths. This conflict started when the region attempted to secede as the Republic of Biafra, the year Kanu was born.