Court Relocates Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial to DSS Headquarters (Details Inside)

IPOB Warns Against Linking Simon Ekpa to Kanu.

 

The Federal High Court in Abuja has officially ordered that the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, be moved to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Friday, emphasizing the need to inspect a specific shipping container tied to Kanu as the reason for the change of venue.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that the shipping container allegedly contains a radio transmitter suspected to have been used to broadcast programs on the controversial Radio Biafra platform.

Reason for Trial Relocation

According to details contained in court filings, the transmitter was allegedly smuggled into Nigeria by Kanu in connection with IPOB’s separatist campaigns. The Federal Government claims that the equipment was intended to advance the group’s agitation for the actualisation of the sovereign state of Biafra.

Justice Omotosho explained that, considering the sensitive nature of the exhibits involved in the case and prevailing security concerns, it was necessary to shift the trial from the conventional courtroom setting to the DSS premises, where the contentious equipment is currently secured.

 

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The trial relocation is expected to facilitate a detailed inspection of the container under stringent security supervision by DSS operatives.

Charges Against Nnamdi Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu has been facing terrorism-related charges following his long-standing push for Biafra’s secession from Nigeria. The Federal Government accuses him of inciting violence, engaging in subversive broadcasts, and directing unlawful activities through his leadership of IPOB.

It will be recalled that Kanu fled Nigeria in 2017 while on bail but was later rearrested in 2021 through a controversial international operation. Since his return, he has remained in DSS custody, with multiple adjournments delaying his trial amid persistent security challenges.

IPOB Reacts, Distances Kanu from Simon Ekpa

Meanwhile, the leadership of IPOB has warned against associating Simon Ekpa with Nnamdi Kanu or the group’s official activities. IPOB emphasized that Ekpa does not represent the group’s ideology or its chain of command.

Speaking through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB categorically distanced itself from Ekpa, accusing him of undermining Kanu’s directives and complicating efforts aimed at peacefully resolving the Biafra agitation.

According to the statement, IPOB maintained that it remains committed to legitimate and internationally recognized methods of pursuing its goals, with Nnamdi Kanu as its sole leader.

The group also urged members of the public, particularly security agencies and media organizations, not to conflate the actions of Ekpa with the officially recognized IPOB leadership.

Background of Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Nigerian, has been linked to the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in parts of the South-East, actions which IPOB claims were never authorized by Kanu or its hierarchy. His continued broadcasts and directives have sparked controversy, with some accusing him of escalating insecurity in the region.

IPOB’s recent warning is the latest in a series of public statements aimed at differentiating the group’s official structure from fringe elements operating under the guise of IPOB sympathizers.

Current Status of the Case

As it stands, the next phase of Nnamdi Kanu’s trial will be held within the secured premises of the DSS headquarters in Abuja, with the specific date expected to be confirmed shortly by the court registrar.

Legal observers note that the relocation may mark a critical stage in the protracted legal proceedings, especially regarding the Federal Government’s efforts to secure key evidence tied to Kanu’s alleged offenses.

More developments on this case are expected in the coming days as both the prosecution and defense prepare for the resumed hearing.