By Emmanuel Dominic 
Kanu’s Trial: Court Sets Dates for FG to Close Case, Issues Delay Warning
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled six dates—May 28 and 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19—for the Federal Government to conclude its case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice James Omotosho emphasized that no further delays will be tolerated, noting that the trial has been ongoing for nearly a decade.
During the recent proceedings, the defense, led by former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi (SAN), cross-examined the second prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as “BBB.” The witness testified that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), established by Kanu, is an illegal organization, contrasting it with the legally recognized Amotekun in the South West, which was formed through state legislation.
The defense also presented evidence, including a Certified True Copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry report on EndSARS and related abuses, as well as video clips featuring public figures like DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma. These materials aimed to challenge the prosecution’s claims linking Kanu to violence during the EndSARS protests.
Kanu was initially arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and subsequently fled the country following a military operation at his residence. He was re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and has been in DSS custody since. In 2022, the Court of Appeal ordered his release, but the Supreme Court later overturned this decision, allowing the trial to proceed on a seven-count charge.
Justice Omotosho’s directive for an accelerated hearing underscores the court’s commitment to concluding the long-standing case without further postponements.
