A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday issued a warning to Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, one of the lawyers representing Nnamdi Kanu, over alleged unethical behaviour.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, cautioned that continued misconduct, especially on social media, could result in disciplinary actions, including being barred from legal practice.
The warning came after a protest letter, dated May 14, was submitted by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the lead prosecutor in the case.
The letter, presented to the court by the defence’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), raised concerns over social media posts allegedly made by Ejimakor regarding the ongoing trial.
Awomolo expressed frustration about what he described as embarrassing publications, stating that proceedings were being recorded and shared online.
He called on the court to prevent individuals from entering the courtroom with mobile phones and accused Ejimakor of sharing misleading information with the public.
“My juniors informed me that the proceedings were being streamed online,” Awomolo said, emphasizing that such actions were unprofessional.
In response, Agabi told the court that the defence team had already apologised to the prosecution and extended the same apology to the court.
Justice Omotosho, addressing the matter, urged all lawyers involved in the case to remain focused and avoid distractions, stressing that the court was committed to delivering justice swiftly due to Kanu’s prolonged detention.
He recalled handling a similar IPOB-related case in 2024, in which he acquitted 50 individuals after granting an expedited trial.
He warned against tactics that may delay the proceedings, saying, “Let us not be distracted by the noise in the market; we must focus on our objective.”
He reiterated that making false statements about the court process could have serious consequences for any legal practitioner involved.
Following this, the court continued with the cross-examination of a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, referred to as Mr. BBB, who was called as the second prosecution witness.
The defence counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), led the cross-examination.
Erokoro questioned the witness about Radio Biafra’s operations.
BBB said he was unsure if the station was still running and explained that the intelligence he provided came from the unit responsible for monitoring such broadcasts.
He stood by the reliability of the information.
When asked whether the DSS could be influenced by political figures, BBB responded that the agency operates independently under the Office of the National Security Adviser, and that the Attorney General does not direct their work.
Regarding intelligence-gathering techniques, BBB stated that the DSS uses various methods, including social media monitoring and human intelligence, but declined to reveal specific tactics.
BBB confirmed that Nnamdi Kanu told DSS operatives he was abducted in Kenya, though the witness clarified that verifying the claim was beyond his scope.
He denied any knowledge of DSS involvement in Kanu’s alleged arrest outside Nigeria, asserting that the agency does not conduct operations abroad.
He also stated that he was aware of Kanu’s claim that soldiers invaded his home, allegedly killing 28 people.
He further testified that Kanu, through his Radio Biafra broadcasts, incited violence during the #EndSARS protests and expressed his desire to achieve Biafra through any means, including war.
BBB linked Kanu’s rhetoric to violent incidents such as the burning of a police station in Ebonyi, a court in Lagos, and part of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
He also mentioned the killings of an army couple in Orlu and a retired judge, Stephen Nnaji, which he attributed to the activities of IPOB’s security wing.
During the session, Erokoro submitted certified true copies of three previous judgments in fundamental rights cases filed by Kanu. The documents, including rulings from Abia, Umuahia, and Enugu courts, were accepted as evidence.
One of the rulings, delivered by Justice Benson Anya of the Abia State High Court, awarded Kanu ₦1 billion in damages over the military’s 2017 invasion of his residence, which was deemed unlawful and in violation of his constitutional rights.
After submitting the documents, Erokoro requested an adjournment to allow the defence to prepare and present a video as part of their evidence.
The judge granted the request and adjourned proceedings until Thursday, May 22, for the continuation of cross-examination.