A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Favour Kanu, wife of Prince Fineboy Kanu, brother to the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu from attending the next three court sittings after she live-streamed court proceedings on Facebook.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Tuesday after Favour admitted to the act and apologised. The judge said her actions could amount to contempt of court, especially given that her phone had previously been confiscated for a similar violation.
Despite pleas from her husband’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), the judge insisted on the three-session suspension, stressing the need to maintain court decorum and avoid delays.
During the hearing, a second prosecution witness—code-named BBB—testified that Nnamdi Kanu founded the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and operated Radio Biafra. The witness, assigned by the Attorney General of the Federation to investigate Kanu, gave his testimony under the examination of federal prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
Justice Omotosho granted a prior request by the prosecution for the witnesses’ identities to be protected, citing national security concerns.
Kanu, initially facing a 15-count charge of terrorism and treason, now faces seven charges after the court struck out eight counts in April 2022 for lack of merit.
Tensions rose during the proceedings when the defence opposed the prosecution’s attempt to tender certain documents and video evidence, arguing they had not been served with them. The court upheld the objection and ruled that all evidence must be disclosed to the defence beforehand.
Another witness, code-named AAA, under re-examination, described Kanu’s activities as secessionist agitation. However, during cross-examination, he admitted limited knowledge of the charges and was unaware that several serious allegations had been dismissed.
Meanwhile, a minor drama unfolded in court when a man named Charles Udeh submitted a protest letter claiming to be on Kanu’s legal team. Both the defence and Kanu denied any affiliation with Udeh. The judge reminded all parties that only approved counsel would be recognised going forward.
