Federal Court Permits Concealed Testimony of Witnesses in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a request allowing witnesses in the terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to testify behind a screen, ensuring their identities remain confidential.

This ruling came after the Federal Government, through its counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), petitioned the court for protective measures.

Justice James Omotosho granted the application on Tuesday, emphasizing the need to protect witnesses given the sensitive nature of the terrorism charges against Kanu. The government’s legal team argued that exposing witnesses could compromise their safety.

Kanu faces seven terrorism charges and has been on trial since his controversial repatriation from Kenya in 2021. His defense lawyer, Kanu Agabi, did not oppose the request but requested that the government show reciprocal cooperation during bail hearings.

Following the ruling, the prosecution called its first witness, identified as PWAAA, who has begun testimony. This trial continues under Justice Omotosho after Justice Binta Nyako recused herself due to the defendant’s expressed lack of confidence in her.