Justice Omotosho Bars Nnamdi Kanu’s Sister-in-Law from Court, Threatens to Send People to Kuje Prison for Contempt

A Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Mrs. Favour Kanu, sister-in-law to Nnamdi Kanu, from entering the court premises after it was discovered she was livestreaming the proceedings of Kanu’s trial on social media.

The decision came on Thursday after Justice James Omotosho concluded a ruling on a trial-within-trial regarding allegations by Kanu that he made certain statements under duress. Following the ruling, the judge raised concerns about the unauthorized live broadcast of court proceedings, an act he described as sub judice and contemptuous.

Justice Omotosho presented printed screenshots showing the live transmission of the trial and questioned Mrs. Favour Kanu directly. She admitted to streaming the proceedings, despite having previously received three warnings to desist from such actions. In response, the judge ordered her removal from the courtroom and issued a ban prohibiting her from entering the premises unless she is directly involved in a legal matter.

The judge also issued a stern warning, stating that further acts of contempt would result in offenders being sent to Kuje Prison.

During the same session, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro, one of Kanu’s lawyers, brought the court’s attention to a television report aired on May 28, 2025. The report falsely claimed that a video was played in court showing Kanu inspecting a smuggled radio transmitter. Justice Omotosho confirmed that no such video was presented and advised Erokoro to file a formal application if the legal team intends to pursue the issue. He reiterated his warning, stating, “I want to be sending people to Kuje henceforth.”