posted 13th May 2025
Nnamdi Kanu to Appear in Court Again Amid Ongoing Trial Controversies
Abuja, Nigeria – 13 May 2025 – Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is scheduled to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 May 2025, as his high-profile terrorism trial continues under Justice James Omotosho. The trial, marked by legal disputes, allegations of judicial bias, and recent claims of restricted access to legal counsel, has attracted significant attention both in Nigeria and abroad.
Kanu’s legal ordeal began in earnest following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, after which he was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). Since then, his court appearances have been fraught with drama, procedural wrangles, and changes in judicial oversight. Below is a summary of key developments in his trial:
29 June 2021: Kanu was arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. The court ordered his remand in DSS custody, a decision his legal team later described as part of a “secret trial.”
October 2022: The Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu of all treasonable felony charges, citing irregularities in his rendition. However, the Nigerian government refused to release him, prompting further legal challenges.
2024 Court Appearances: Kanu’s trial resumed on 26 February 2024, with Kanu escorted into court by DSS operatives. His legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, pressed for bail, house arrest, or a complete discharge, arguing that Kanu’s detention violated court orders.
10 February 2025: Justice Binta Nyako adjourned Kanu’s trial indefinitely after Kanu challenged her impartiality, labelling the court a “shrine to injustice.” This led to Nyako’s recusal and the reassignment of the case to Justice James Omotosho.
21 March 2025: Kanu pleaded not guilty to seven counts of terrorism and treason under Justice Omotosho. His new lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, apologised to Nyako and the prosecution for Kanu’s earlier courtroom outbursts, aiming to restore decorum.
29 April 2025: The court granted the Federal Government’s request to shield prosecution witnesses’ identities, allowing testimony behind screens with pseudonyms. Kanu Agabi did not oppose the application, signalling a strategic shift in the defence approach.
2–7 May 2025: The DSS presented evidence, including a petition allegedly authored by former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, accusing Kanu of terrorism and incitement. Broadcast recordings and a written statement by Kanu were admitted as evidence without objection from Agabi. A DSS witness testified that no weapons were found on Kanu during his 2015 arrest, a point highlighted by the defence.
6 May 2025: The court barred Kanu’s sister-in-law, Favour Kanu, from attending three sessions after she live-streamed proceedings, an action deemed potential contempt of court.
On 12 May 2025, Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, accused the DSS of denying Kanu Agabi access to his client just minutes before a scheduled consultation. Ejimakor described the action as a “flagrant interference with a fair trial” and demanded an explanation from the DSS, stating, “The DSS must explain to Nigerians why it blocked Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, from meeting with his client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
This incident follows a pattern of alleged access restrictions. On 1 November 2024, the DSS reportedly denied Kanu’s legal team visitation, prompting Ejimakor to threaten “robust court action.” Earlier, on 25 October 2024, a court summoned DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi over similar denials, underscoring ongoing tensions between Kanu’s team and the agency.
The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, has intensified its case, presenting evidence such as broadcast recordings where a voice, identified by the DSS as Kanu’s, allegedly incited violence, including calls to “burn down Lagos” and attack security personnel. A DSS operative also testified that Kanu sought to include parts of Kogi and Benue States in a proposed Biafran secession.
Kanu’s defence, now led by Kanu Agabi, has focused on challenging the prosecution’s narrative while maintaining decorum. Agabi’s cross-examinations have highlighted inconsistencies, such as a witness’s lack of awareness about struck-out charges and the absence of physical evidence like weapons. The defence has also leveraged Kanu’s earlier acquittal by the Appeal Court to question the legitimacy of his continued detention.
Kanu’s trial remains a lightning rod for debates about Nigeria’s judicial system, freedom of expression, and the government’s handling of separatist movements. Human rights lawyer Barr. Christopher Chidera has criticised the prosecution’s reliance on the repealed Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, calling the trial a “charade” and urging an amicable resolution.
The case has also drawn scrutiny over judicial independence. Kanu’s earlier decision to represent himself, announced by his family on 18 March 2025, was seen as an attempt to expose perceived institutional bias. However, Agabi’s appointment has shifted the defence towards a more conventional legal strategy.
Tomorrow’s court session is expected to feature further prosecution testimony, with the defence likely to continue its cross-examination of DSS witnesses. Given the recent access denial, Kanu’s legal team may raise objections or file motions to address the DSS’s actions, potentially escalating the courtroom drama.
As Kanu’s trial progresses, it continues to test Nigeria’s judicial and political landscape, with implications for national unity and the rule of law. The world watches as the Biafra agitator navigates a complex legal battle that shows no signs of resolution.
