A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected important pieces of evidence that the federal government wanted to use in the case against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which is a banned group.

The government, through a witness from the Department of State Services (DSS), tried to submit statements that it claimed Kanu made during an interrogation.

But Kanu’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, argued that these statements were made when Kanu was under pressure and did not have a lawyer with him. Because of this, the court decided to hold a special hearing to find out if the statements were made freely.

Justice James Omotosho said the video shown did not prove that Kanu was forced to speak, and Kanu himself couldn’t show that he was threatened. However, the judge said the fact that no lawyer was there during the questioning made the statements unacceptable in court.

The judge explained that it is a basic right in Nigeria for a person to have a lawyer present during questioning. He said the DSS and other security groups must follow the law when dealing with suspects.

After rejecting those statements, the DSS officer, who is known only as CCC, continued testifying and brought a new piece of evidence—a video titled “Interview with Sahara TV.” The court allowed the video to be shown in the courtroom.

In the video, Kanu was seen calling Nigeria a “zoo” and made several strong accusations. He said Ike Nwachukwu was involved in the killing of Igbos, accused Jim Nwobodo of betraying Alex Ekwueme, and claimed Peter Obi was part of unlawful killings. He also accused Rochas Okorocha of trying to turn Imo State into an Islamic state.

Kanu also warned that if Biafra is not granted, there will be destruction. He said Biafra would not come through peaceful means and supported the 2016 attack on the Enugu Government House, claiming that such actions could help bring down corruption.

During cross-examination, Kanu’s lawyer asked the DSS officer if he checked to see if any of these claims were true. The officer said he didn’t. He explained that his job was only to confirm if Kanu had made the statements, which Kanu reportedly admitted he did.

The court then set new dates for the trial to continue—June 13, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

Meanwhile, the judge banned Kanu’s sister-in-law, Favour Kanu, from coming to court again. This was because she live-streamed the court session on social media, even after being warned not to.

Judge Omotosho gave a strong warning that anyone who disrespects the court again will be sent to Kuje prison.