May 06, (THEWILL) – The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the prosecution in the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to serve all relevant documents and court processes on the defence team ahead of their presentation in court.
Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Tuesday following confusion over legal representation and the attempted tendering of documents during proceedings.
The confusion stemmed from a letter submitted by one Charles Ude, who claimed to be Kanu’s lawyer. However, lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), disassociated the defence team from Ude’s claim. Kanu also affirmed in court that Agabi remains his official legal representative.
To maintain order, the judge ruled that only 16 out of the 26 lawyers listed for the defence would be recognised in court.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
Tuesday’s session continued with the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, who testified under the pseudonym “AAA”. The witness admitted to being unaware that several terrorism charges previously filed against Kanu had been struck out by the court and could not confirm the status of the original 15-count charge.
During re-examination by the lead prosecutor, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the witness stated that Kanu’s actions amounted to an agitation for the secession of parts of Nigeria.
The second prosecution witness, identified as “BBB”, told the court he was assigned by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu. He described the defendant as the operator of Radio Biafra and founder of the Eastern Security Network.
However, an attempt by the prosecution to tender a letter authorising BBB’s investigation was opposed by Agabi, who argued that the document had not been front-loaded as required by law. The prosecution subsequently withdrew the document.
There was also contention over the admissibility of video evidence presented by the prosecution, which Kanu himself opposed.
In response, Justice Omotosho reiterated that no documents or materials would be admitted unless they had been previously disclosed and properly served on the defence.
Separately, the prosecution informed the court that it had filed a motion seeking the release of some already tendered exhibits, specifically items numbered 1 to 28 and 30 to 39.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to May 7 for the continuation of proceedings and the examination-in-chief of the second prosecution witness, BBB.
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