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COURT ADMITS VIDEO EVIDENCE IN NNAMDI KANU’S TRIAL

The Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted three video clips, including one showing Nnamdi Kanu inspecting a Radio Biafra transmitter, in the trial of the Biafra nation agitator. The court is currently conducting a trial-within-trial to determine whether Kanu’s statements were made under duress. The Department of State Services (DSS) has faulted Kanu’s claims that he made statements under duress. A DSS operative, known as Mr CCC, testified that Kanu was given presidential treatment and denied allegations of using force to extract statements from him. Kanu had claimed that a DSS operative named Mr Brown threatened him with solitary confinement to extract statements. However, the witness clarified that the officers who took part in the interview were James, Ibrahim, and Collins, with no Mr Brown among them. The court admitted three written statements made by Kanu on October 23rd, 24th, and November 4th, 2015, as well as video recordings of his oral statements on October 21 and 23, 2015. Justice James Omotosho ruled that the court would determine the admissibility of the statements after the trial-within-trial. In the video footage played in court, Kanu admitted to being the founder and director of Radio Biafra and claimed that the Biafra cause enjoys funding across the globe. The judge adjourned the matter till May 29 for continuation of the hearing and to deliver a ruling on the admissibility of the statements. Kanu testified in his own defense, claiming that he was struck by a DSS operative when he was picked up in Lagos in 2015. However, the operative later apologized on their way to the airport en route to Abuja. The case continues.

FEDERAL HIGH COURT CLASHES WITH FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER NNAMDI KANU TRIAL

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its lack of progress in the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The presiding judge expressed frustration at the prosecution’s repeated delays and seeming lack of readiness, saying, “You must pick six days within two weeks and present all your witnesses. If you fail to do so, I will strike out your case as weak.” The judge’s ultimatum drew a mixture of murmurs and gasps from those present in the courtroom. The prosecution’s second witness was cross-examined, but his testimony was deemed unreliable and he was eventually dismissed by the court. The prosecution’s failure to present its next witness further frustrated the judge, who adjourned proceedings to May 28, 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025. The judge urged the prosecution to reduce its extensive list of witnesses, saying, “We cannot continue like this. Reduce your witnesses so this matter can end soon.” The defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, introduced video footage intended to challenge the legitimacy of the charges against Kanu. The footage included Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma’s comments that may have suggested political factors influenced unrest in Orlu. The prosecution’s witness refrained from commenting on the footage, while the defense questioned him on the lack of direct evidence linking Kanu to criminal activity. The witness conceded that he had never personally investigated IPOB members and had no reports linking Kanu to violence. The judge’s warning highlights the court’s growing impatience with the prosecution’s handling of the case. The trial is set to continue on the designated dates, with the prosecution expected to present its witnesses and make progress in the case.

KANU’S TERRORISM TRIAL CONTINUES: WITNESS TESTIFIES AGAINST BIAFRA AGITATOR

The trial of Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, continued with the testimony of the second prosecution witness, who identified Kanu as the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and operator of Radio Biafra. The witness, referred to as BBB, testified that he was assigned by the then Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu. During the hearing, the prosecution attempted to tender a letter authorizing the investigation, but the defense counsel, Kanu Agabi, objected on grounds that the document was not front-loaded. The prosecution subsequently withdrew the document, and the court ordered that all materials intended for the trial must be served in advance and listed properly. The presiding judge, James Omotosho, also addressed a matter of confusion regarding legal representation, where a certain Charles Ude claimed to be a member of Kanu’s legal team. However, Agabi disassociated the team from Ude’s claim, and Kanu confirmed that Agabi remains his official legal representative. In another development, the court barred a relative of the defendant, Favour Kanu, from attending three successive proceedings of the court after she admitted to doing a live stream while the judge was seated and posting the content online. The matter was adjourned to May 7 for the continuation of the examination-in-chief of the second prosecution witness.

WITNESSES TO TESTIFY BEHIND SCREEN IN NNAMDI KANU’S TERRORISM TRIAL AS FG OPENS CASE

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has agreed to allow the federal government’s witnesses to testify behind a screen in the alleged terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The judge granted the permission in a bid to conceal the identities of the witnesses for security reasons. The federal government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, had argued that the witnesses’ identities needed to be protected due to the nature of the charges against Kanu, which borders on terrorism. Awomolo requested that the witnesses be shielded from the public for the same reason, and the judge granted the request. Kanu’s counsel, Kanu Agabi, did not object to the application but requested similar cooperation from the federal government when arguing Kanu’s bail application. The first witness, code-named PWAAA, has commenced testifying as the government formally opened its case against Kanu.

NNAMDI KANU’S TRIAL: FEDERAL HIGH COURT REASSIGNS CASE TO NEW JUDGE

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to another judge. This development comes after Kanu’s legal team requested the Chief Justice of Nigeria to intervene in the matter, seeking a proper and lawful reassignment of the case. According to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, the IPOB leader is ready to face his trial, convinced of his innocence. Ejimakor disclosed that Kanu expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her prompt response to their request. “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to take his trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence,” Ejimakor stated. The reassignment of the case follows the recusal of the previous judge, Justice Binta Nyako, in September 2024. Kanu’s legal team had raised concerns about the delay in reassigning the case, posing dangers to Kanu’s constitutional rights, particularly his right to fair and speedy hearing. With the case now reassigned, Kanu’s legal team will focus on preparing his defense. “Now that the first steps have been taken by the authorities to do the lawful thing, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team shall take stock and hanker down to the zealous preparation of his defense,” Ejimakor said.

NIGERIAN BUSINESS MOGUL ARTHUR EZE PREDICTS MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH EAST UNDER TINUBU’S ADMINISTRATION

Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Arthur Eze, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will bring about massive development in the South East region. Eze, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, made this statement while speaking to journalists after Tinubu’s recent visit to Enugu State. Eze described Tinubu’s visit as a moment of celebration and unity for the entire South East region, stating that “Tinubu’s visit was wonderful. Everyone was rejoicing. The Igbo and Yoruba are rejoicing. Even those in Lagos, Abuja, and here are all rejoicing”. He also praised Tinubu’s leadership style, comparing him to Obafemi Awolowo, who fought for Nigeria’s independence. Eze also believes that Tinubu will release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. He stated that “It was Buhari that detained him, not Tinubu. But we will beg Tinubu to release him. Tinubu has a spirit of forgiveness; he has no enemies”. Furthermore, Eze commended President Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission, which he believes will bring meaningful change to the region. He stated that “We have to thank Tinubu for the South East Development Commission. That commission can solve our problem. They have more than N100 Billion to create jobs here”. Eze also praised the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who has been driving development and security in the state through the use of technology. He urged other governors in the South East to follow Mbah’s lead in addressing security challenges using technology. As the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Africa’s largest holder of oil exploration blocks, Eze is a prominent figure in the Nigerian business world. He is also a known philanthropist, having founded the Prince Arthur Eze Philanthropy and Empowerment International to drive his charitable activities.