Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), pleaded not guilty to seven charges of terrorism and treason in a new trial in Nigeria on Friday. This latest legal battle is now being overseen by the fourth judge to preside over his case.

A British citizen, Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but vanished from Nigeria while on bail in 2017. His trial has been marred by delays, judicial recusals, and multiple failed bail requests, leading him to explore possible negotiations with the Nigerian government.

Judge James Omotosho, who has taken over the proceedings, scheduled trial dates for April 29, May 2, and May 6. Meanwhile, Kanu’s new lead defense counsel, Kanu Agabi, offered an apology to recently recused Judge Binta Nyako, prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, and fellow defense lawyer Alloy Ejimakor for previous courtroom tensions involving his client.

Kanu’s IPOB movement seeks the secession of southeastern Nigeria, a region predominantly inhabited by the Igbo ethnic group. The Nigerian government has officially designated IPOB as a terrorist organization.