NNAMDI KANU DISOWNS LAWYER IN COURT
Tensions flared inside the Federal High Court on Tuesday may 6th during a high-stakes terrorism trial involving Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), when he publicly disassociated himself from a lawyer, Charles Ude, who claimed to be part of his defence team. The confusion emerged after the presiding judge received a formal letter from Ude, asserting that he represented the defendant. However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, swiftly denied any knowledge of Ude, a position Kanu firmly supported.
This courtroom drama unfolded alongside another logistical issue: an overcrowded legal bench. The judge reaffirmed a previous agreement limiting defence representation to 16 lawyers out of the 26 listed. He warned that persistent disorderliness could lead to a virtual hearing, stressing that the judiciary has the technological capacity to shift proceedings online if needed.
A separate controversy involved a woman identified as Favour Kanu, who was accused of recording a previous court session and publishing sensitive content online. Although the judge previously spared her a contempt charge, he revisited the matter after reports surfaced that the act was not accidental. Nnamdi Kanu, visibly emotional, intervened on her behalf, citing biblical references and urging the court to forgive her.
Favour, in her defence, claimed she did not realise the court was still in session and immediately stopped recording when cautioned. Accepting her explanation but emphasizing the importance of order, the judge barred her from attending the next three sittings as a disciplinary measure.
Meanwhile, court proceedings continued with cross-examinations. Lead defence counsel, Agabi, grilled the first prosecution witness, known only as “AAA,” on his knowledge of the charges against Kanu. The witness admitted limited awareness of the 15-count charge, several of which have already been struck out. The defence emphasized that many of the more serious terrorism-related allegations—including election disruption and attacks on federal institutions—were among the dismissed charges. The witness acknowledged knowing about IPOB’s role in enforcing Monday sit-at-home orders, which have contributed to significant regional instability.
On re-examination, the prosecution asked the witness to explain what he understood by “agitation” in the context of Kanu’s actions. He replied that it signified the pursuit of secession from Nigeria. The trial is expected to continue amid growing scrutiny over its fairness and the broader implications for civil liberties and national security.
