Tensions escalated on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja as the long-drawn trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, resumed. The presiding judge issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over repeated delays and lack of preparedness.
Clearly frustrated, the judge lambasted the prosecution for dragging the case, warning: “You must pick six days within two weeks and present all your witnesses. If you fail to do so, I will strike out your case as weak.” The statement drew murmurs of approval and surprise from observers in the courtroom.
The session began with the cross-examination of the prosecution’s second witness, who quickly lost credibility after giving contradictory answers and repeatedly saying, “I don’t know.” The court discharged the witness due to his inability to provide reliable testimony.
The situation worsened when the prosecution failed to produce a third witness, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to May 28 and 29, and further to June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025. The judge advised the prosecution, led by SAN Adegboyega Awomolo, to reduce its list of witnesses for efficiency: “We cannot continue like this. Reduce your witnesses so this matter can end soon.”
Meanwhile, the defense team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), came well-prepared, presenting video evidence challenging the foundation of the charges against Kanu.
One clip showed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma appearing to contradict his earlier accusations against IPOB, suggesting instead that the Orlu violence might have been politically motivated. Other videos featured DSS Director Oluwatosin Ajayi and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma urging Nigerians to adopt self-defense. The prosecution’s witness declined to comment on the videos, stating it wasn’t his role to interpret them.
Pressed by the defense, the witness admitted he had not conducted personal investigations on IPOB members, nor did he have any report linking Kanu to violent acts. He also confirmed failing to respond to an official letter from the Attorney General’s office and could not present any investigation reports to the court.
