The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, resumed today at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with intense courtroom exchanges and stern remarks from the presiding judge, Justice Omotosho.

Kanu arrived at the court premises shortly before 9:00 a.m. under tight security for the continuation of the trial between him and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Once the proceedings began, the lead counsel for the prosecution, Chief Awomolo (SAN), introduced his team, followed by the defense team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Before cross-examination resumed, Justice Omotosho expressed frustration over the slow pace of the case despite the court granting accelerated hearing.

“I’m giving you six days to present all your witnesses, even if they are 500. If you fail to comply, I will close your case and proceed to the defense. This matter has been pending for three months under an accelerated hearing order. Meanwhile, the defendant has remained in detention. Soon, the court will go on vacation, and he’ll still be behind bars. As you enjoy your holiday, remember someone remains in custody, away from his family,” the judge warned.

Cross-Examination of Witness “BBB”

The defense then resumed cross-examining the second prosecution witness, identified as BBB. Key moments from the cross-examination include:

Passport and Broadcast: The witness admitted not knowing whether Kanu’s international passport was in the DSS’s custody or whether the broadcast used as evidence was made in Nigeria.

Proscription: When asked if “Biafra” was a proscribed name, the witness said he did not know, though he acknowledged that IPOB is proscribed.

Investigation Report: The witness confirmed he did not obtain any statement from Kanu and did not possess any investigation report, stating that it was with the government.

Video Evidence and ESN: He claimed to have identified members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in a video but admitted he could not confirm their identities.

EndSARS Panel Report: The defense submitted a document from the Lagos State EndSARS panel, which the court admitted as an exhibit.

Video Exhibits Presented in Court

The defense presented several video clips to highlight alleged double standards in how statements by public figures were treated compared to Kanu’s:

1. Clip One: A man was seen telling citizens, “If you depend on the police for protection, you’ll all die.” The prosecution objected, claiming the man was not their DG. The judge overruled the objection, saying it was the witness’s duty to identify him. The witness confirmed the man was not the DG.
2. Clip Two: A senior government official identified by the witness as “Oluwatosin Ajayi, our DG,” was seen urging communities to arm themselves and defend against Boko Haram. The witness agreed there was nothing wrong with the statement.
3. Clip Three: A video of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was played, in which he stated that killings in the state were politically motivated and not carried out by IPOB. This contradicted the witness’s earlier testimony that Uzodimma blamed IPOB.
4. Clip Four: Former military general T.Y. Danjuma was shown advising people to arm themselves, warning that security agencies would not come to their rescue. The witness confirmed he heard the statement but declined to interpret it. He also confirmed Danjuma had not been arrested for the remark.

Final Moments of the Hearing

The defense also questioned the witness about the difference between Amotekun and ESN. The witness said Amotekun is recognized by law, while ESN is not. He was also asked whether IPOB engages in politics, to which he replied, “I’m not sure.”

Following the conclusion of the cross-examination, the witness (PW2 – BBB) was discharged. The prosecution indicated that their next witness was not ready and requested more time.

Justice Omotosho insisted the prosecution must pick six days from the coming two weeks to conclude their case. He cautioned them to reduce the number of witnesses to avoid unnecessary delay.

“This case must end soon. We cannot continue like this,” the judge stated.

Next Adjourned Dates

The matter was adjourned to May 28th, May 29th, June 6th, June 16th, June 18th, and June 19th, 2025, for continuation of trial.

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