The ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued on May 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The proceedings involved close scrutiny of Kanu’s past broadcasts and heated exchanges between the prosecution and defense. Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the session on X, stating, “The Court has convened for today’s hearing of the matter of Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and we’re all here stranding behind MNK.”
The session began with the prosecution submitting flash drives as exhibits containing audio and video broadcasts attributed to Kanu. These recordings, played in court, reportedly included statements from Kanu during periods of national unrest, such as the 2020 EndSARS protests and various security incidents in the South-East. One broadcast allegedly featured Kanu criticizing Fulani herders’ attacks and accusing Nigerian governors of betraying the South-East. He also made controversial comments about political figures like Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The broadcasts reportedly included calls for self-defense and criticisms of government failures. A key dispute arose over the interpretation of these broadcasts. The prosecution argued that they incited violence and supported secessionist movements, while Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), contended that they were political expressions protected by constitutional rights.
A witness for the prosecution confirmed Kanu’s identity in the videos and sought to link the broadcasts to violent acts, including attacks on security facilities. However, when questioned about some charges, the witness acknowledged not knowing that certain charges had previously been dismissed by the court.
Another significant part of the hearing focused on the 2017 proscription of IPOB. The defense raised no objections to the document confirming the proscription but emphasized that the ban was imposed via an ex parte order without IPOB’s legal representation. The defense also presented a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation ordering Kanu’s arrest, which they claimed was not properly served to them. Justice Omotosho insisted that all evidence must be served to the defense for a fair hearing.
The trial was adjourned to Thursday, May 8, 2025, for the continuation of the prosecution’s witness examination.
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