BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Appears In Court With Six Senior Advocates As Trial Resumes In Abuja

The long-running legal battle involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the Nigerian government, resumed on Tuesday morning at the Federal High Court in Abuja as both sides presented their legal teams.

Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021, arrived in court flanked by a legal team comprising six Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). 

Kanu’s SANs are led by Chief Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General of the Federation with others including Uchenna Njoku, Prof. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Emeka Etiaba, Mela Audu Nunghe, and Dr. Joseph Akubo. 

Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed to SaharaReporters that the proceedings were underway.

“The court in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case has convened. The Judge is on seat & appearances for the parties are being announced,” Ejimakor stated. 

“The Federal Government has 3 SANs; Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has 6 SANs. The die is cast & we’re primed & ready to rumble.”

The Nigerian government, represented by three Senior Advocates, reaffirmed its intent to continue prosecution in the high-profile treason and terrorism charges leveled against Kanu.

Kanu faces a series of charges ranging from terrorism to incitement and illegal possession of firearms. 

SaharaReporters had reported that the Nigerian government had re-arraigned Kanu on an amended seven-count charge bordering on terrorism before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. 

Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His arrest and detention have sparked widespread protests, particularly in the southeastern region of Nigeria, where his movement commands significant support.

This morning’s court session marks the latest chapter in a legal saga that has drawn both national and international scrutiny. 

Human rights organisations and international observers have repeatedly called for transparency and adherence to due process in Kanu’s trial.

Kanu’s trial has become a litmus test for the Nigerian judiciary’s independence and the government’s handling of secessionist movements amid rising ethnic and regional tensions. 

As the proceedings unfold, all eyes remain fixed on the Federal High Court in Abuja whether justice will prevail or will political undertones shape the course of Nigeria’s most closely watched trial?