Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has opposed a request for live streaming of the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, while the presiding judge condemned unprofessional conduct by a member of Kanu’s legal team.

 

The request, made by members of Kanu’s family, was countered by the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, during Wednesday’s court session. Awomolo, in a letter dated May 14, 2025, recommended a ban on the use of mobile phones within the courtroom, citing alleged misconduct by one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor.

 

Awomolo accused Ejimakor of making misleading and inflammatory posts about the trial on social media, particularly Facebook, where he reportedly urged “Biafrans” to rise against Kanu’s “persecution.”

 

“This ongoing case is a serious matter that should not be trivialized by any lawyer on either side,” Awomolo stated.

 

Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, also disapproved of Ejimakor’s behavior. Agabi issued a public apology to the court, assuring that such actions would not be repeated.

 

Reacting to the controversy, Justice James Omotosho strongly criticized what he described as unprofessional conduct by members of Kanu’s legal team. He rebuked Ejimakor and others, calling them “content creators” who appeared more interested in media attention than legal resolution.

 

“The court will not tolerate misconduct disguised as advocacy,” Justice Omotosho warned. “Lawyers who misuse social media for sensationalism risk disbarment.”

 

The judge particularly referenced Ejimakor’s posting of the approved list of Kanu’s legal team on Facebook, calling it “inappropriate and provocative.” He urged all parties to exercise discretion and refrain from actions that could undermine the integrity of the trial.

 

Justice Omotosho also emphasized that the court had granted accelerated hearing in Kanu’s case to ensure fairness, especially given the duration of his detention.

 

Following the judge’s remarks, the trial resumed with the continued cross-examination of the second prosecution witness (PW2), identified only by the code name “BBB,” a personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

Under questioning by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness stated that the DSS operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), not the Attorney General of the Federation, clarifying that political interference in DSS operations is limited.

 

On intelligence gathering, the DSS officer explained that the agency employs various sources, including human intelligence and social media. He added that DSS operatives are specially trained to access and analyze sensitive information when required.

 

The trial is expected to continue as the court seeks to balance due process with public interest while curbing external influences and media-driven distractions.