Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, a member of Kanu’s legal team, has provided an update following today’s court proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Ejimakor, the hearing held earlier today saw the prosecution present its first witness. In a measure aimed at protecting the identity of the witness, the court permitted the individual to testify anonymously, using only initials instead of a full name.
Additionally, the witness gave testimony from behind a screen, shielding his face from public view. These conditions had been previously approved by the presiding judge.
“UPDATE: Today’s MNK hearing has been concluded. The prosecution presented its first witness who was not identified by name but by initials only & he testified from behind a screen, as was approved by the Judge. On 2nd May, we shall cross-examine him & test his veracity,” Ejimakor wrote via his official social media account.
The cross-examination of the witness by Kanu’s defense team has been scheduled for May 2, 2025. The move is expected to provide an opportunity to challenge the credibility of the witness’s testimony and clarify key elements of the prosecution’s case.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, faces charges bordering on treasonable felony, terrorism, and incitement.
His prolonged detention and trial have sparked widespread debates, protests, and legal battles both locally and internationally.
Observers say the court’s decision to shield the witness may influence how future testimonies are presented, reflecting ongoing concerns about the security and sensitivity of the case.
As the legal proceedings continue, supporters and human rights advocates are closely watching developments, calling for transparency and adherence to due process.
