Key Points
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The trial of Nnamdi Kanu resumed after nearly 10 years of delays.
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Kanu admitted to leading IPOB and running Radio Biafra.
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The case still faces challenges, but the trial continues.
The terrorism and treasonable felony trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This case, which started in 2015 following Kanu’s arrest in Lagos, faced nearly a decade of delays due to several setbacks. These included changes in judges and various legal challenges.
On Tuesday, the prosecution presented its first witness, an SSS operative known as PWAAA. He testified about the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest in 2015.
According to the witness, an eight-man team executed the operation based on intelligence they received. The team arrested Kanu at a hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, after conducting a room-to-room search.
The police later discovered several IPOB-related items, including pamphlets, laptops, and phones, in Kanu’s hotel room.
Kanu admits to leading IPOB and supporting Biafra’s cause
The witness also discussed Kanu’s interrogation. During the questioning, Kanu admitted to being the leader and founder of IPOB.
The witness presented a video recording of the interrogation, where Kanu affirmed his commitment to the Biafra cause.
Kanu argued that his pursuit of self-determination for the South-east and other regions of Nigeria was a fundamental right. He emphasized that it should not be considered an act of terrorism.
In his statement, Kanu stated that freedom fighting is a universally recognized right, and he cited legal provisions that support his stance.
He also acknowledged running Radio Biafra, which he did not register with Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The trial moves forward despite previous setbacks
Kanu’s trial had been delayed multiple times due to various legal challenges. His claims of judicial bias, which led to the case stalling, resulted in several changes in judges.
After years of delays, the Supreme Court ordered the trial to continue in December 2023. Following this, the case was reassigned to Judge James Omotosho, and Kanu was re-arraigned in March 2025.
The trial is now progressing, with the prosecution calling its first witness. Kanu’s defense team will cross-examine the witness on May 2, 2025.
