Judge Condemns Social Media Activity by MNK’s Lawyer as FG Opposes Live Streaming of Trial

The Federal Government of Nigeria has opposed a request for live streaming of the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The objection was raised on Wednesday by FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, during resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The request for live coverage had been made by Kanu’s family.

Awomolo, in a letter dated May 14, 2025, called for a ban on the use of mobile phones in the courtroom, citing unprofessional behavior by a member of Kanu’s legal team, Aloy Ejimakor. He accused Ejimakor of sharing misleading and inflammatory content on social media platforms, including posts that allegedly encouraged ‘Biafrans’ to rise against what he termed Kanu’s persecution.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, also condemned Ejimakor’s actions and issued an apology to the court, assuring that such conduct would not reoccur.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, expressed deep displeasure over the use of social media by members of the defence team. He described Ejimakor and others as “content creators” whose actions could hinder the progress of the trial. Justice Omotosho issued a stern warning, cautioning Ejimakor against conduct that could potentially lead to professional sanctions, including disbarment. He cited a recent Facebook post in which Ejimakor reportedly published the court-approved list of defence lawyers.

The judge urged all legal representatives involved in the case to maintain professional decorum and refrain from social media commentary, emphasizing that the court had granted accelerated hearing in recognition of Kanu’s prolonged detention.

The trial proceeded with the cross-examination of the second prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as BBB. Under questioning by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, the witness clarified that the DSS operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and is not directed by the Attorney General. He further explained that the DSS gathers intelligence from a variety of sources, including human assets and social media, and that operatives are adequately trained to extract information when necessary.