Court Warns Kanu’s Lawyer Against Unprofessional Conduct

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), continued in the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, with Justice James Omotosho issuing a stern warning to Aloy Ejimakor, one of Kanu’s lawyers, against livestreaming the court proceedings and documents on social media.

The issue arose after the defense team resumed cross-examining the prosecution’s second witness, code-named BBB. During the session, Kanu Agabi, SAN, the lead counsel for the defense, informed the court of a letter dated May 14 from the prosecution’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, which raised concerns over the illegal livestreaming of the trial.

Agabi recommended that phones be banned from the courtroom to avoid further issues. He expressed dismay over Ejimakor’s actions, noting that posting misleading information on social media was an unnecessary distraction in such a serious case.

In response, Justice Omotosho reiterated his commitment to an accelerated hearing of the case in the interest of all parties, especially considering Kanu’s prolonged detention. The judge stressed the need for professionalism in the trial and warned Ejimakor that such behavior could lead to disbarment. He emphasized that all parties involved should act in a manner that supports the progress of the trial and avoid actions that could be construed as misconduct, particularly on social media.

The court then proceeded with the cross-examination of Mr. BBB, a DSS personnel, conducted by Paul Erokoro on behalf of the defense. During the questioning, BBB clarified the role of the DSS, confirming that it operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is not influenced by politicians or the Attorney General.

BBB explained that the DSS uses a variety of sources for intelligence gathering, including human and social media intelligence. The witness further denied that the DSS had any involvement in the kidnapping of Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya in 2021, stating that the agency does not have the power to arrest individuals outside Nigeria’s borders.

Regarding Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra, BBB reiterated that the IPOB leader’s speeches had incited violence, particularly during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. He claimed that Kanu’s inflammatory remarks led to the burning of several locations, including a police station in Ebonyi State, a Lagos State High Court, and a cargo shed at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. Additionally, BBB mentioned the brutal killing of a military couple in Orlu and a retired judge, Stephen Nnaji, who were victims of violence allegedly instigated by members of IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

At some point during the proceedings, Erokoro requested an adjournment, informing the court that the defense sought to tender a video clip and needed additional time to present it.

Meanwhile, the court admitted as evidence certified true copies of judgments from three fundamental rights enforcement lawsuits filed by Kanu, including decisions from the Abia State High Court (January 19, 2022), the Federal High Court, Umuahia Division (October 26, 2022), and the Enugu State High Court (October 26, 2023).

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until Thursday, May 22, for the conclusion of the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness.