ABUJA, Nigeria — Di Federal High Court for Abuja don adjourn di trial of Nnamdi Kanu, di leader of di Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to May 21, 2025, as di case continued for Wednesday. Dis adjournment allow di defence to prepare proper case as dem dey challenge terrorism-related charges against am.
Di prosecution present dia second witness, who dem identify as Mr. BBB, to tender evidence. Di court also admit di medical report and death certificate of Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide wey die for Imo State in 2021, linking im death to gunmen believed to be IPOB members.
Justice James Omotoso, wey be di judge for di case, allow di witness to present di documents after di defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), no object to di evidence. Di prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), dunyaargument for dis documents to support dia claim against Kanu.
During di cross-examination, Kanu Agabi raised questions about di credibility and completeness of a video statement wey Kanu give while im dey DSS custody. Agabi mention say only Kanu and him team dey visible for di recording. Di witness response, saying, “Na di procedure be dat,” affirming say na di full recording dat.
Agabi concern about Kanu’s long detention and alleged solitary confinement. Di witness, however, insist say im no dey responsible for Kanu’s custody or welfare, saying, “Solitary confinement no be di practice of di DSS.” He claim say im no get knowledge about Kanu’s psychological state.
As di hearing progress, di defence also question di legality of Kanu’s detention, describing it as cruel and inhuman treatment, but di witness could not confirm any details about Kanu’s mental health or well-being, as e no dey part of im investigation.
Oga Agabi point out say di charges against Kanu dey speculative, and di witness agree say im role na just investigation. In a dramatic twist, di court hear say di investigating officer no don confront Kanu with im accusers despite plenty amendments wey don happen in di charge sheet over di years.
Di witness confirm say di only document he present was a letter from di Attorney-General of di Federation (AGF), and no face-to-face meet up happen. Tension rise for di court when Agabi allege sey di AGF direct investigation long after charges bin don file.
Agabi also inform di court dat di defence team apply for critical police records but dem no get response yet. Di prosecution argue against di adjournment, citing past court orders for speedy hearing, but Justice Omotoso still grant di short adjournment to ensure di defence get proper opportunity to present dia case.
“Di mata get international and domestic interest,” di judge note, as e warn against unnecessary delays. “I dey inclined to grant di adjournment today to ensure di defence is properly heard.”
Before di court adjourn, di judge ask for clarification about claims sey Kanu’s lawyers were denied access to am by di DSS. While Agabi deny sey dem no allow him access, di court show concern about mixed social media posts from one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, and caution against unprofessional conduct.
Di court subsequently adjourn di trial to May 21, 2025, as di defence counsel continue their preparation for di case.
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