The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned against further delays in the terrorism and treasonable felony trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, as the case enters its tenth year.
Justice James Omotosho, who took over the matter after previous judge Binta Nyako recused herself following bias allegations, scheduled six hearing dates for the Federal Government to conclude its case.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Kanu’s defense team led by former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi (SAN) completed cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, a DSS operative identified only as “BBB” for security reasons.
The witness testified behind a protective shield, maintaining that Kanu’s Eastern Security Network operates illegally unlike the legally recognized Amotekun security outfit in Southwest states.
“My lord, while the ESN is not a registered organization recognized by law, Amotekun was established following the law passed by the respective Houses of Assembly in the affected States,” the witness stated under re-examination by prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
The defense presented multiple exhibits challenging the prosecution’s claims, including:
– Certified True Copy of the Lagos #EndSARS panel report (Exhibit PWUO) countering allegations of Kanu’s involvement in protest violence
– Flash drive with certificate of compliance (Exhibits PWI and PWP)
– Video evidence featuring statements from DSS DG Adeola Ajayi, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Defense Minister T.Y. Danjuma
In the video evidence, Uzodinma exonerated ESN from political killings in Orlu, while Danjuma controversially urged self-defense: “If you are depending on the Armed Forces to stop the killings, you will die one-by-one.”
Justice Omotosho, acknowledging Kanu’s prolonged detention since his 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya, scheduled accelerated hearings for May 28-29 and June 6, 16, 18-19.
The case has seen multiple judicial twists including a 2022 appellate court discharge order that was later overturned by the Supreme Court in December 2023, permitting trial on seven remaining counts.
Kanu’s legal journey includes:
– Initial 2015 arrest and 2017 bail grant
– 2017 escape after military raid on his home
– 2021 re-arrest and ongoing DSS detention
– Charge reductions from original 15 counts to current 7 counts