Court Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial To May 2, As IPOB Slams Nigerian Govt, Demands End To ‘Sham Trial

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was delayed on Tuesday to May 2, 2025, following the start of proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

During the hearing, the prosecution introduced its first witness, who testified under special protection after the court granted a request to conceal the witness from public view.

Only Kanu was permitted to view the witness in accordance with legal protocol.

Speaking to press following the court hearings, Kanu's Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, described the day's events as the start of the long-awaited trial that the government had recently pushed for.

"What happened in court today was very simple," Ejimakor explained. "Finally, the government will have the so-called trial that it has long sought.

"It didn't desire this trial for the past 10 years but for the past seven months, the government has been intent on having a trial."

He continued: "Trial has commenced today and we have seen that the prosecution witness was examined on direct examination by the prosecutor."

Regarding the witness's anonymity, Ejimakor stated, "The prosecutor has previously requested that the witness be masked or screened out of public view.

"The only person that can behold him was Nnamdi Kanu because the law requires that."

Following the direct examination, the trial was adjourned to allow for the witness's cross examination.

"What is going to happen on May 2 is quite clear and straightforward. We are going to cross-examine the witness. "We're going to ask him to explain some things," Ejimakor stated.

He said, "His answers to the questions posed to him today will not be considered true until we finish cross-examining him on May 2."

"We are hopeful that through this trial, we shall be able to show that Nnamdi Kanu did not commit any offence known to law."

Meanwhile, IPOB has responded to the trial, condemning the Nigerian government and calling it a "sham."

In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group expressed disappointment with the Nigerian government's "so-called evidence" produced in court.

"Today, the prosecution presented what they claimed to be 'incriminating evidence' against Nnamdi Kanu, to justify their long-standing persecution of him and the proscription of our movement," declared the powerful.

He stated, "To the surprise and dismay of all present, including international observers, the so-called evidence consisted of four boxes containing Mazi Kanu's personal belongings: wristwatches, a microphone, a DJ mixer (falsely labeled a transmitter), cables, Arabian perfumes purchased for his mother and mother-in-law, a brown shoe, laptops, chargers, and phones."

"No bombs, guns, grenades, or attack plans were found—because none exist."

The IPOB maintained that the items were commonplace and unrelated to any illicit activity.

"The items presented in court are not weapons of terrorism but ordinary possessions of a man who has consistently and openly declared his mission as a freedom fighter dedicated to the liberation of his people through peaceful means, including a referendum," Mr. Powerful said.

He added: "This revelation lays bare the truth: there is no evidence to support the grave accusations levelled against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu."

The statement urged the Nigerian and British governments to halt the prosecution.

"With the utmost humility, IPOB calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom to end this charade masquerading as a trial."

Highlighting the toll of the legal struggle, IPOB stated, "The persecution of Mazi Kanu and IPOB, which has led to the loss of countless lives, including his parents, must cease."

IPOB continued its plea for justice, saying, "The lack of incriminating evidence today reinforces what we have always maintained: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not a terrorist, but a noble advocate for the oppressed."

"We urge all stakeholders to acknowledge this reality and work toward a fair resolution. "Let us build a future where the aspirations of all peoples are respected, and the dignity of existence is upheld for everyone."