Federal High Court In Abuja Orders Proper Document Service In Nnamdi Kanu Trial.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated that the prosecution in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must serve all relevant documents and materials to the defence team before presenting them in court. The directive came during a resumed hearing on Tuesday, marked by procedural disputes and efforts to maintain courtroom decorum.
The court addressed several issues, including confusion over legal representation. A letter from Charles Ude, claiming to be Kanu’s lawyer, prompted concern, but lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, clarified that he remains Kanu’s official representative, a stance Kanu himself confirmed. To streamline proceedings, the presiding judge limited recognised counsel to 16 out of the 29 listed, warning that the court could shift to virtual hearings if disruptions persisted. “I don’t want to be pushed to take this case virtually—we have the facility,” the judge stated.
The court also tackled a prior violation by Favour Kanu, a relative of the defendant, who had recorded and shared court proceedings online, contravening court directives. Despite Kanu’s plea for leniency, the judge barred her from attending the next three sittings as a penalty.
The trial proceeded with the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness (PW1), identified as AAA. Questioned by Agabi, the witness admitted to being unaware that several terrorism charges against Kanu had been struck out and lacked clarity on the status of the original 15-count charges. During re-examination by lead prosecutor Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the witness described Kanu’s actions as agitating for the secession of parts of Nigeria.
The second prosecution witness (PW2), identified as BBB, testified that he was tasked by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu. He identified Kanu as the operator of Radio Biafra and founder of the Eastern Security Network. However, the prosecution’s attempt to tender a letter authorising the witness’s investigation was met with objection from Agabi, who argued that the document had not been shared with the defence in advance. The prosecution subsequently withdrew the document, a decision the court upheld.
The trial, which has drawn significant attention, continues to highlight tensions surrounding Kanu’s legal battles and the broader issue of separatist movements in Nigeria. The court’s emphasis on procedural fairness underscores its commitment to upholding due process in this high-profile case.
