The Federal Government has opposed a request for the live broadcast of the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), warning against what it described as courtroom theatrics and social media sensationalism.
This opposition was communicated through FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who addressed the court in response to a request by Kanu’s family for proceedings to be livestreamed for transparency.
At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, drew attention to a letter dated May 14, 2025, where Awomolo recommended that all mobile phones be banned from the courtroom.
Awomolo criticized the actions of one of Kanu’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, who he accused of publishing “misleading and embarrassing” updates about the case on social media.
“This is a sensitive and serious matter that must not be trivialized,” Awomolo said, condemning what he described as deliberate attempts to stir public sentiment and misinform the public.
In a Facebook video cited in court, Ejimakor was said to have called on ‘Biafrans’ to rise against what he termed the persecution of Kanu.
Both Agabi and Justice James Omotosho criticized the post. Agabi apologized for his colleague’s behavior and promised it wouldn’t recur.
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Justice Omotosho expressed deep concern over the conduct of some members of Kanu’s legal team, describing them as more interested in online fame than legal proceedings.
“Some of these lawyers act like content creators. They don’t want this trial to end,” the judge remarked. He particularly warned Ejimakor that further unprofessional behavior could lead to disbarment.
The court later proceeded with the cross-examination of a Department of State Services (DSS) officer code-named BBB.
During questioning by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness clarified that the DSS operates independently under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is not directed by the Attorney General.
He further revealed that intelligence gathering by the DSS relies on various sources, including human intelligence and social media, asserting that DSS operatives are trained to obtain information effectively.
The case continues as the court proceeds with an accelerated hearing due to Kanu’s prolonged detention.