Nnamdi Kanu’s Family Warns Against Misrepresentation Of Legal Case
The family of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has publicly condemned what it describes as the deliberate distortion of ongoing court proceedings.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family expressed deep concern over what it termed a campaign of misinformation aimed at misleading the public and damaging the global reputation of Mazi Kanu.
During the resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, the defence challenged the credibility of the prosecution’s case, pointing to the cross-examination of a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), identified as PW-AAA.
According to Prince Kanu, the testimony of PW-AAA revealed the prosecution’s lack of preparedness and understanding of the charges brought against the IPOB leader.
“The witness repeatedly admitted ignorance of critical details, including the 15-count charge, the striking out of several charges by the court, and even the specifics of the allegations concerning incitement and destruction of public property,” said Prince Emmanuel Kanu.
The family complained of misleading headlines, notably a story titled “Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Inciting Public to Attack Police, Witness Tells Court”, which they say falsely suggests an admission of guilt by Kanu.
Prince Kanu stated emphatically that the DSS witness never made such a claim and, in fact, frequently responded, “I’m not aware,” when asked about key aspects of the case.
“The twisting of these statements into an alleged admission is not just unethical—it is a dangerous lie that fuels anti-Biafra and anti-Igbo sentiment,” the family asserted.
Adding to the controversy, the family accused the prosecution, led by senior lawyer Mr Awomolo, of procedural misconduct.
According to the statement, Awomolo claimed to have filed a legal process on April 28, 2025, which in truth was only a list of proposed evidence, not a formal submission.
This list, reportedly submitted on May 5, years after the witness statement it was based on, was neither filed according to proper legal channels nor served on the defence, raising concerns of due process violations.
Justice Omotosho was said to have cautioned the prosecution on this point, urging them to respect the court and adhere to lawful procedures.
The family also called into question the integrity of another prosecution witness, referred to as PW2-BBB. Described by Kanu as a “mercenary hired to testify”, the witness is reportedly not affiliated with the DSS headquarters and has no known connection to the defendant. The family dismissed the testimony as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
In a broader criticism, the Kanu family condemned the role of the media in perpetuating false narratives while ignoring substantive legal issues.
They highlighted what they called disproportionate media attention to trivial matters, such as the exclusion of Princess Favour Kanu, Kanu’s sister-in-law, from the courtroom for live-streaming the proceedings, while critical developments in court were underreported or misrepresented.
“This minor incident was weaponised to distract from the actual failures of the prosecution,” said the family.
To ensure transparency and restore public confidence, the Kanu family renewed their call for live broadcasting of court proceedings.
They argue that only real-time public access can counter the “propaganda and falsehoods” disseminated by what they described as government-controlled media outlets.
“The gagging of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s family and legal team after court sessions only serves to embolden the prosecution’s deceitful tactics,” Prince Kanu added.
The family further accused the Nigerian government of undermining the judiciary and betraying principles of natural justice.
They praised Justice Omotosho for his impartial handling of the case but warned that the prosecution’s alleged manipulation and the media’s complicity could compromise the integrity of the entire trial.
“This case is not just a legal proceeding—it’s a circus aimed at silencing a man who has fearlessly advocated for the rights of his people,” the statement concluded. “We demand accountability and ask all justice-loving individuals to support our call for transparency.”
The next hearing in the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is expected to continue at the Federal High Court, Abuja, amid growing domestic and international attention.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Family Warns Against Misrepresentation Of Legal Case is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
