Court Bars Nnamdi Kanu’s Sister-in-Law from Attending Three Trial Sessions over Livestreaming Incident

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Favour Kanu, wife of Prince Fineboy Kanu (brother to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu), from attending the next three court sessions after she live-streamed a hearing on Facebook.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Tuesday after Favour admitted to streaming the proceedings and apologized. Despite her apology and a plea from her husband’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, the judge insisted on enforcing the ban, warning that her actions could amount to contempt of court.

What shocked the court further was that Favour had previously had her phone confiscated during an earlier session for a similar violation yet still went ahead to post the video online.

Nnamdi Kanu is currently facing terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government.

“I want to hear from her. Were you not the one who took your phone?” the judge asked.
“I did not give the order to forfeit that phone. I don’t know if she might be a wife to my brother (Nnamdi Kanu),” he added.

Prince Fineboy Kanu replied, “She is my wife.”

Justice James Omotosho has reiterated that no one should take actions that might delay the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, assuring the court that justice will be served.

During the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the second prosecution witness identified only as BBB for security reasons testified that Kanu is the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The testimony came under examination by the federal government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo.

Earlier in the trial, Awomolo requested that the identities of prosecution witnesses be concealed due to the sensitive nature of the terrorism charges against Kanu. Justice Omotosho granted this request, emphasizing the need to protect the witnesses and ensure a secure and fair trial process.

Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faces terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.

At the resumed trial of Nnamdi Kanu on Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja heard new testimony from a protected prosecution witness, BBB, who stated that Kanu is the operator of Radio Biafra and the founder of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The witness also revealed that he was officially assigned by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu.

Kanu, who was originally facing a 15-count charge of terrorism and treason, saw his charges reduced to seven on April 8, 2022, after the court dismissed eight counts for lacking merit.

During the latest proceedings, the prosecution attempted to tender a letter that allegedly authorized the witness to carry out the investigation. However, the move was blocked by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, who objected on the grounds that the document had not been properly served to the defence.

The trial continues as both sides contest the admissibility of key evidence.