A Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out key evidence presented by the federal government against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB, ruling that the DSS failed to ensure his right to legal representation during interrogation. The court emphasized that this violated constitutional rights and rendered Kanu’s alleged confessional statements inadmissible.
- Justice Omotosho ruled that statements made by Kanu in 2015 were invalid due to absence of a lawyer.
- DSS failed to prove the statements were voluntary, despite showing no signs of duress.
- New video evidence from Sahara TV interview was admitted, showing Kanu making inflammatory claims.
- The DSS witness admitted he didn’t verify any of Kanu’s accusations in the footage.
- Favour Kanu, Kanu’s sister-in-law, was banned from court after live-streaming proceedings.
- Trial continues June 13–19.
This ruling marks a major procedural win for Kanu’s defense, and reinforces the importance of due process—even in politically charged trials. While new video evidence may refocus attention on his rhetoric, the setback in admitting confessional statements could shape the trajectory of the trial.
