Court bars Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law from proceedings for live-streaming

DDM News

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has barred Mrs. Favour Kanu, sister-in-law to detained Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu, from attending further court proceedings in his ongoing terrorism trial.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the decision followed Mrs. Kanu’s admission to unlawfully live-streaming the trial proceedings to the public via social media platforms.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the trial, issued the directive on Thursday after concluding a ruling in the ongoing “trial within trial” initiated by the defence.

The internal hearing was aimed at establishing whether certain statements allegedly made by Mr. Kanu during his detention were extracted under duress by security agents.

Shortly after delivering the verdict on that aspect of the case, the judge brought up the issue of unlawful courtroom recordings being transmitted to the public in real time.

Justice Omotosho condemned the action, describing it as a violation of judicial protocol and a serious contempt of court.

He produced printed photographs clearly showing scenes from the live-streamed sessions, which had been circulated online during the hearing.

Drama unfolded in the courtroom when the judge directly accused Mrs. Kanu of being responsible for the live broadcasts.

Upon confrontation, Mrs. Kanu admitted that she was indeed behind the unauthorized recording and transmission of the court proceedings.

She acknowledged receiving multiple warnings to desist from such actions but continued regardless.

The court had earlier cautioned her on at least three occasions, warning her that continued violations would attract severe consequences.

Consequently, Justice Omotosho ordered her immediate expulsion from the courtroom and barred her from returning to the court premises.

He emphasized that she would only be permitted entry again if she was directly involved in a pending legal matter.

In a stern warning to the public, the judge declared that future acts of contempt would no longer be tolerated.

He stated that anyone caught engaging in similar behavior would be remanded at Kuje Correctional Facility without further warning.

Mrs. Kanu’s actions were widely criticized as not only unlawful but also potentially disruptive to the legal process, especially in such a high-profile terrorism trial.

The judge insisted that the sanctity and confidentiality of court proceedings must be preserved at all times to ensure justice is not compromised.

The case involving Nnamdi Kanu remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched trials, attracting both local and international attention due to its political and security implications.

Mr. Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Nigerian Federal Government.

His legal team has continuously argued that their client’s rights have been violated repeatedly and that his trial has not met global standards of fairness.

In the latest developments, the court has been hearing arguments on whether confessional statements attributed to Mr. Kanu were made voluntarily.

The outcome of this internal inquiry could significantly influence the direction of the broader trial.

Meanwhile, supporters of Mr. Kanu have consistently demanded his release and have often staged peaceful protests outside the court.

Security presence around the court remains tight, with authorities keen to prevent any disruptions or breaches of court regulations.

With this new ruling, it is expected that enforcement of courtroom decorum and digital restrictions will be further tightened.

Justice Omotosho’s order signals a no-tolerance stance on behaviors that could undermine judicial proceedings or sway public perception outside due legal process.

It is yet unclear if Mrs. Favour Kanu will face any further legal consequences beyond the ban.

However, the court has made it clear that any future violations by any party will attract much harsher penalties, including incarceration for contempt.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) will continue to monitor proceedings and provide updates on developments in this landmark case that continues to shape legal and political discourse in Nigeria.

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