The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the Federal Government’s request to conceal the identities of witnesses set to testify against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
During the proceedings related to the seven-count terrorism charges against Kanu, prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, expressed concerns for the witnesses’ safety and requested that they be allowed to testify behind a protective veil. Although Justice Binta Nyako criticized the prosecution for not informing the court in advance, she agreed to set up a protective screen in the courtroom for the witnesses.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, opposed the trial’s commencement, citing the Department of State Services (DSS)’s refusal to grant access to Kanu for defense preparation. He argued that the defense had been denied the opportunity to prepare adequately, especially for cross-examination of witnesses, and pointed out that there are three pending appeals challenging the court’s jurisdiction and issues of fair trial.
Ejimakor emphasized that Kanu is facing a capital charge and that the trial procedures appear unjust. He noted the constitutional safeguards for a fair trial that he claims have been violated in this case.
Nnamdi Kanu was initially arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, after returning from the UK. He was granted bail in April 2017 due to health reasons after spending 18 months in detention. Following an escape from the country during military operations, Kanu was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and returned to Nigeria. Since then, he has been in DSS custody, with his trial marked by legal challenges and a fluctuating status regarding the charges against him.
In April 2022, the court dismissed eight of the fifteen charges against him, but the Supreme Court later upheld the remaining charges and allowed the Federal Government to proceed with the trial against Kanu