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COURT SCRUTINISES NNAMDI KANU’S PAST VIDEO BROADCASTS, ADJOURNS TRIAL TO MAY 8
The ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, continued on Wednesday May 7, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The trial was marked by intense scrutiny of Kanu’s past broadcasts and a series of dramatic exchanges between the prosecution and defence.
Confirming the Wednesday’s proceedings, Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, earlier in a post on X said, “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.”Travel guides
SaharaReporters gathered that the proceedings started with the prosecution tendering flash drives marked as exhibits containing a series of past audio and video broadcasts attributed to Kanu.
The recordings, which were played in court, were said to have featured statements allegedly made by Kanu during periods of national unrest, including the 2020 EndSARS protests and various security incidents in the South-East.
According to reports, in one of the broadcasts, Kanu was reportedly heard lamenting Fulani herders’ attacks and accusing Nigerian governors of betraying the South-East region. Travel guides
He also reportedly made controversial remarks about prominent political figures, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The content of the broadcasts reportedly ranged from calls for self-defense to direct criticisms of perceived government failures.
It was gathered that a key point of contention was the interpretation of the broadcasts, as while the prosecution argued that the statements incited violence and promoted secessionist agendas, Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), maintained that the broadcasts were political expressions protected under constitutional rights.
The prosecution’s witness, under examination, confirmed Kanu’s identity in the videos and attempted to link the broadcasts to violent incidents, including attacks on security facilities.
However, when questioned on certain charges, the witness admitted being unaware that some of the said charges had been previously struck out by the court.
A notable portion of today’s hearing also centered around the 2017 proscription of IPOB.
The defense made no objections to the admission of the proscription document but pointed out that the ban was imposed through an ex parte order without IPOB’s legal representation.
The court was also presented with a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation directing Kanu’s arrest, a document which the defence insisted was not initially served to them.
Justice Omotosho had earlier insisted that all evidence must be duly served to the defence in the interest of fair hearing.
The trial was adjourned to Thursday, May 8, for continuation of the examination of prosecution witnesses.
