The ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, continued today, 7th May 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked by intense scrutiny of his past broadcasts and a series of dramatic exchanges between the prosecution and defense, ABN TV reports.
The hearing was eventually adjourned to Thursday, May 8, 2025, to continue the examination of prosecution witnesses.
The day’s proceedings began with the prosecution tendering flash drives marked as exhibits containing a series of past audio and video broadcasts attributed to Kanu. These recordings, which were played in court, featured statements allegedly made by Kanu during periods of national unrest, including the EndSARS protests and various security incidents in the Southeast.
In one of the broadcasts, Kanu is heard lamenting Fulani herders’ attacks and accusing Nigerian governors of betraying the Southeast. He also made controversial remarks about prominent political figures, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma and former Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike. The content of these broadcasts ranged from calls for self-defense to direct criticisms of perceived government failures.
A key point of contention was the interpretation of these broadcasts. While the prosecution argued that the statements incited violence and promoted secessionist agendas, Kanu’s defense team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), maintained that the broadcasts were political expressions protected under constitutional rights.
The prosecution’s witness, under examination, confirmed Kanu’s identity in the videos and attempted to link the broadcasts to violent incidents, including attacks on security facilities. However, when questioned on certain charges, the witness admitted being unaware that some of the said charges had been previously struck out by the court.
A notable portion of today’s hearing also centered around the 2017 proscription of IPOB. The defense made no objections to the admission of the proscription document but pointed out that the ban was imposed through an ex parte order without IPOB’s legal representation.
The court was also presented with a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation directing Kanu’s arrest—a document which the defense insisted was not initially served to them. Justice Omotosho had earlier insisted that all evidence must be duly served to the defense in the interest of fair hearing.
As the court rose for the day, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to Thursday, May 8, 2025, specifically for the continuation of the witness examination.
The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu continues to attract national and international attention, with implications for civil liberties, national security, and the right to self-determination.
