ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, granted an application by the federal government to shield the identities of witnesses scheduled to testify against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the order after the federal government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, moved an ex parte motion requesting anonymity for the witnesses due to what he described as “serious security concerns.”
Mr Awomolo argued that given the nature of the charges—treasonable felony and terrorism—it was imperative to protect the identities of prosecution witnesses to ensure their safety.
“The charges against the defendant are of serious national security importance,” Mr Awomolo said in court.
“It is necessary that the witnesses are shielded from public exposure.”
Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, a former Attorney-General of the Federation, did not oppose the application.
However, he requested reciprocal understanding from the prosecution when the defence presents Kanu’s bail application.
Following arguments from both counsels, Justice Omotosho granted the federal government’s request and ordered that the identities of the witnesses remain concealed during the trial.
The trial commenced immediately after the ruling, with the first prosecution witness, identified only by the code PWAAA, taking the stand to testify.
The government formally opened its case against Kanu, who faces a re-arraignment on terrorism and treason charges stemming from his separatist activities and renewed agitation for an independent Biafra republic.
The charges allege that Mr Kanu, through various media including the now-defunct Radio Biafra, incited violence and propagated the disintegration of Nigeria, actions the government categorises as threats to national security.
Prior to the plea, Mr Kanu delivered a formal apology through his lawyer to Justice Binta Nyako, the former judge who recused herself from the case following the defendant’s courtroom protests.
Mr Kanu expressed remorse for previous outbursts that prompted the judge to withdraw from the case earlier this year.
In an emotional written address read by Mr Agabi, Mr Kanu also extended apologies to Mr Awomolo and pledged to conduct himself respectfully throughout the trial.
“I sincerely apologise for my conduct and words previously spoken,” the statement read in part.
“I seek forgiveness and promise to abide by the rules of this honourable court.”
Mr Kanu entered a plea of not guilty to the amended charges.
Mr Kanu has remained a polarising figure in Nigeria’s political and legal landscape since 2015, when he emerged as the face of a renewed Biafran separatist movement.
His arrest and the federal government’s response have drawn international attention and domestic division.
The Biafra agitation, which dates back to the 1960s, culminated in a brutal civil war from 1967 to 1970, resulting in the deaths of over a million people.
Mr Kanu’s IPOB movement was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government in 2017.
His current prosecution comes after his extradition to Nigeria in 2021 and multiple court appearances that have seen various delays and legal controversies, including disputes over bail conditions and the conduct of the trial.
