By Samuel Adeola
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed major evidence presented by the federal government against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, in a ruling that could shift the tide of the long-running trial.
The prosecution had sought to tender video footage and written confessions allegedly made by Kanu in 2015, but Justice James Omotosho ruled on Thursday that the statements were obtained without legal representation, making them inadmissible.
The judge acknowledged that the videos did not show signs of physical coercion but stressed that Kanu’s right to consult a lawyer during interrogation was violated.
Citing Supreme Court rulings and Section 15 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, he declared any such statements invalid, even if voluntarily made.
Consequently, the court rejected the written statements dated October 21 to 24 and November 4, 2015, along with video exhibits labeled PWQ and PWR.
The decision followed a trial-within-a-trial initiated after Kanu’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro (SAN), raised objections over the voluntariness of the evidence.
Despite the setback, the prosecution introduced fresh material. A video titled Interview with Sahara TV was played in court and admitted.
In the recording, Kanu was seen calling Nigeria a “zoo,” threatening violent resistance if Biafra was not granted, and launching blistering accusations against prominent Igbo leaders.
He alleged that Ike Nwachukwu killed Igbos, Jim Nwobodo betrayed Alex Ekwueme, Peter Obi murdered Igbos and dumped their bodies in a river, and Rochas Okorocha was Islamising Imo State.
He also endorsed the attack on the Enugu Government House and advocated for the current system to be overthrown.
Under cross-examination, the DSS witness who presented the video admitted that he did not verify the claims Kanu made in the video, only confirming the footage was indeed made by him.
Meanwhile, the court barred Kanu’s sister-in-law, Favour Kanu, from attending future sessions after she admitted to livestreaming the proceedings on social media despite repeated warnings.
Justice Omotosho ordered her out of the courtroom and warned that anyone who violates court orders risks being sent to Kuje Prison for contempt.
The trial is set to continue on June 13, 16, 17, 18, and 19.
