The Federal Excessive Court docket in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted the demise certificates and medical report of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak as proof within the ongoing terrorism trial of pro-Biafra separatist chief, Nnamdi Kanu.
Gulak was assassinated in Imo State in 2021 by gunmen allegedly linked to the proscribed Indigenous Folks of Biafra (IPOB). The Federal Authorities had beforehand accused Kanu of inciting the assaults that led to the previous aide’s demise, amongst different violent incidents.
On the resumed listening to earlier than Justice James Omotosho, the prosecution led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) offered the paperwork by a witness recognized as PWBBB. The paperwork—together with a police report from Owerri—have been admitted as displays with out objection from Kanu’s defence workforce, which is led by former Legal professional-Common of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).
The Federal Authorities is prosecuting Kanu on a seven-count cost bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony. To this point, prosecutors have tendered a number of items of proof together with video and audio recordings purportedly displaying Kanu issuing orders for violent assaults on safety brokers and civilians.
However Kanu’s authorized workforce pushed again, questioning the credibility of the prosecution’s proof. Agabi particularly challenged the integrity of the video assertion stated to have been recorded whereas Kanu was in DSS custody.
“Why is it that solely Kanu and his workforce seem within the video? The place are the DSS operatives?” Agabi requested.
The witness, nonetheless, stated it was commonplace process, although he couldn’t recall if he wore a masks in the course of the recorded session.
Additional grilling uncovered gaps within the investigation. The witness admitted he was not a part of cost drafting, couldn’t verify dates of cost amendments, and had by no means facilitated any face-to-face confrontation between Kanu and his accusers. As an alternative, he stated he acted on directives from the Legal professional-Common’s workplace.
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Agabi additionally raised alarms over Kanu’s extended detention, alleged solitary confinement, and what he termed “merciless and inhuman therapy.” The investigator deflected, claiming ignorance of Kanu’s residing circumstances and psychological state.
A tense trade ensued as Agabi revealed the defence had requested essential police information which have been but to be offered. Whereas the prosecution resisted an adjournment, citing the court docket’s earlier order for accelerated listening to, Justice Omotosho opted for a brief delay.
“This matter has each worldwide and home implications,” the decide stated. “The court docket should permit correct air flow of the problems to make sure justice is served.”
Justice Omotosho additionally addressed a social media submit by certainly one of Kanu’s attorneys, Aloy Ejimakor, alleging denial of entry to Kanu. Whereas Agabi denied such obstruction, the decide issued a stern warning about misinformation and urged authorized practitioners to train professionalism.
The trial continues on Might 21, with the court docket stressing the necessity for diligence from all events.
