The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has ruled in favour of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by dismissing video evidence presented by the prosecution during the trial-within-trial proceedings.
The court on Wednesday declared that all video recordings and written statements allegedly made by Kanu during his 2015 interrogation by the Department of State Services (DSS) were obtained under duress and in the absence of legal representation. Consequently, the court ruled the evidence inadmissible and irrelevant to the ongoing trial.
Justice Omotosho stated categorically: “The defendant’s statements were made under duress and without access to legal counsel. Therefore, all oral and written statements presented in video format are hereby rejected and struck out from the records.”
The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running trial, strengthening the defense’s claims that Kanu’s fundamental rights were violated during his detention and interrogation.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of due process, particularly the constitutional right of any accused person to have access to legal counsel during questioning. Kanu’s legal team had consistently argued that their client was forced to make statements while held incommunicado in DSS custody.
This latest ruling may have implications for the remaining phases of the trial as the court continues to examine the prosecution’s case.
The case has been adjourned for continuation, with the public and observers awaiting the next legal moves from both sides.
The case was adjourned for June 13th, 16th, 18th, and 19th June 2025.
All hail biafra mazi Nnamdi kanu must be release unconditionally. Free mazi Nnamdi kanu for peace to reign in nigeria we have suffered enough.