The long-running trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with significant legal and security developments.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, granted the Federal Government’s request to allow witnesses testify behind protective screens, citing security concerns.
At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of a 22-member defence team. However, the court ruled that only 13 legal representatives would be officially recognised in the case record. Notably, four senior advocates — Audu Nunghe, Joseph Akubo, Emeka Etiaba, and Onyechi Ikpeazu — have formally joined the defence team.
The high-profile case, involving terrorism and treasonable felony charges, dates back to 2015 following Kanu’s initial arrest in Lagos. Legal delays and procedural setbacks over the years have repeatedly stalled proceedings, preventing the prosecution from presenting witnesses and evidence until this week.
Originally, Kanu faced trial alongside four co-defendants. In 2018, Justice Binta Nyako severed the case after Kanu fled Nigeria while on bail. This allowed the government to proceed separately against the remaining defendants. Kanu was later re-arrested by Nigerian authorities in Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances.
The resumed trial marks a pivotal moment in one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive legal battles in recent history.
More updates to follow as proceedings continue.
