By: Salawatu Zuberu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to May 2, 2025, after the prosecution presented its first witness under special security provisions.
The closed-door testimony followed the court’s approval for witness shielding, a move justified on grounds of national security. Under the arrangement, members of the public and media were barred from the courtroom, with only Kanu permitted to view the witness’s identity.
Speaking to reporters outside the court, Kanu’s special counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, criticized the proceedings and reiterated the defense’s readiness to challenge all charges.
“What happened in court today was very simple,” said Ejimakor. “The government has finally initiated the trial it has long sought—not for the past decade, but certainly for the past seven months.”
Meanwhile, IPOB issued a strong rebuke of the day’s proceedings. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group described the trial as a “sham” orchestrated by the government and judiciary. Powerful dismissed the evidence presented by the prosecution as “laughable,” claiming it consisted of personal belongings rather than any criminal materials.
“The so-called evidence included wristwatches, a microphone, a DJ mixer falsely labeled a transmitter, cables, Arabian perfumes, a brown shoe, laptops, chargers, and phones,” the statement read. “No weapons, no explosives—nothing to support the terrorism charges.”
IPOB reaffirmed its position that Kanu is a peaceful advocate for self-determination, not a terrorist. The group urged the judiciary and international community to ensure a fair trial and renewed its call for a just resolution.
“The absence of any credible evidence today underscores what we have always said: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist, but a voice for the oppressed,” the group added.
Kanu’s trial continues to draw widespread attention both within Nigeria and globally, as human rights organizations and international observers monitor the case closely. The legal and political implications of the proceedings are expected to shape ongoing debates over civil liberties, political dissent, and the state of justice in Nigeria.