Abuja, Nigeria — July 18, 2025: The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is scheduled to continue today at the Federal High Court, Abuja, under strict access controls imposed by the court.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, has restricted courtroom attendance to only ten individuals representing the defence, comprising eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and two close associates of Kanu.

Who is Allowed in Court

The approved defence legal team includes:

  • Kanu G. Agabi (SAN)

  • Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN)

  • Paul Erokoro (SAN)

  • Emeka Etiaba (SAN)

  • Mela Audu Nunghe (SAN)

  • Dr. Joseph Akubo (SAN)

  • Uchenna Njoku (SAN)

  • Aloy Ejimakor (SAN)

Additionally, Hon. Obi Aguocha, a serving House of Representatives member, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, have been cleared to attend the session.

The trial is scheduled to commence at 9:00 am today.

Case Update

Following the closure of the federal government’s case, the defence team has been directed to file its written address on a no-case submission within 14 days. This submission will argue that the prosecution has not provided sufficient evidence for the trial to continue.

Meanwhile, the court continues to bar journalists and members of the public from attending proceedings, a decision that has sparked criticism from some quarters regarding transparency.

The ongoing trial, taking place in Abuja, remains a focal point in Nigeria's judiciary and political discourse, especially in relation to southeastern agitation and national security.