A former spokesperson for ex–Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, has said that the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is no longer keen on pursuing his terrorism trial in court but rather focused on securing a political resolution to his case.
Akande made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, shortly after Kanu announced his intention to personally conduct his defence before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu’s decision came after his lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), withdrew from representing him in the ongoing trial.
According to Akande, Kanu’s conduct and that of his legal team indicate a lack of interest in continuing with the judicial process.
“It’s clear that Kanu is not interested in pursuing this case. His actions and those of his lawyers—after demanding a prompt trial and getting a willing judge—show otherwise. Deciding to represent himself tells me he’s looking toward a political settlement rather than a legal one,” Akande stated.
He added that Kanu’s preference for a political solution was not unprecedented, noting that similar high-profile cases in Nigeria had been resolved politically.
“There are precedents for such political resolutions. If you observe the trajectory of this case, part of the delay comes from both sides—government and Kanu’s team—constantly changing lawyers and strategies,” Akande explained.
The former presidential aide argued that pursuing a political settlement could serve Nigeria’s national cohesion, stressing the need for a resolution that transcends the courtroom.
“I think we should explore the political option—not because Kanu shouldn’t have his day in court—but because this prolonged process has become counterproductive. For the sake of unity, a political solution may be the way forward,” he concluded.
