Federal High Court Judge James Omotosho on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, approved a sensitive security request by the Nigerian government to shield its witnesses behind a screen during the terrorism trial of Biafra separatist leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The order allows prosecution witnesses to testify anonymously, a move the government says is critical to protecting lives involved in the high-stakes trial.
The decision followed an ex parte application by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who argued that the nature of the charges—centered on terrorism and incitement—makes the witnesses vulnerable to targeted attacks. He emphasized the necessity of shielding identities due to “ongoing threats” faced by individuals cooperating with the state in this politically volatile case.
Justice Omotosho agreed with the submissions and ruled that all government witnesses would testify with their faces concealed and identities undisclosed to the public. The court also barred live media coverage of the testimony, signaling a more controlled and confidential hearing process as the trial enters a pivotal phase.
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been in custody since June 2021 following his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He faces charges including treasonable felony, terrorism financing, and incitement through broadcasts alleged to have destabilized security in the South-East. The government claims Kanu’s rhetoric incited attacks on security formations and public institutions.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, did not oppose the motion for witness protection but urged the court to ensure reciprocal fairness when the defense applies for bail or seeks similar procedural relief. He stressed that the defense expects equal consideration and cooperation as the matter progresses, especially on humanitarian grounds.
The government formally opened its case immediately after the ruling, calling its first witness, identified only as “PWAAA,” under strict protection protocols. According to sources within the courtroom, the witness presented documents and digital evidence linked to IPOB’s media strategy and alleged international financing routes.
This development comes just as international rights organizations have renewed calls for a fair and transparent trial. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is expected to release a report next month on alleged human rights violations connected to Kanu’s arrest and continued detention. The next hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025.
