Court throws out FG’s evidence against Nnamdi Kanu due to absence of lawyer during interrogation

 

A Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected video and documentary evidence sought to be admitted by the federal government in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The prosecution, through its third witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, had attempted to tender what it described as confessional statements made by Kanu.

Kanu, through his counsel Paul Erokoro, objected to the admissibility of the evidence, arguing that the statements were obtained under duress. On Wednesday, the court ordered a trial-within-a-trial to determine whether the statements were made voluntarily.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that although Kanu failed to demonstrate that his statements were coerced and the video evidence did not show signs of intimidation, the absence of legal counsel during the interrogations rendered the statements inadmissible.

“The statements are inadmissible in light of this omission by the prosecution,” the judge ruled. “The objection of the defendant’s counsel is upheld. The statements of October 23, 2015, and November 2015, earlier admitted in evidence, are rejected.”

Omotosho emphasized that the presence of a lawyer during the extraction of extrajudicial statements is a constitutional requirement. “Security agencies must comply with the relevant laws which mandate the presence of a defendant’s lawyer,” he said, adding that the requirement is “tied to the fundamental right” of every Nigerian. 

Following the ruling, the prosecution resumed its case with the same DSS officer, identified as CCC, who introduced a new piece of evidence, a video disc titled “Interview with Sahara TV.” The court admitted the disc into evidence and it was subsequently played in open court.

In the video, Kanu was seen and heard referring to Nigeria as a “zoo” and making inflammatory remarks against several prominent Igbo figures. He accused former Foreign Affairs Minister Ike Nwachukwu of killing Igbos and claimed former Anambra State Governor Jim Nwobodo betrayed Alex Ekwueme. He also alleged that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi was involved in extrajudicial killings and claimed former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha was responsible for Islamising the state.

Kanu further stated in the video that if Biafra was not granted, “there will be nothing living in the zoo; nothing will survive there.” He added, “I do not see Biafra happening peacefully. There is no freedom out of a peaceful process.” He expressed support for the 2016 attack on the Enugu Government House, saying he endorsed any action that could bring down what he described as a corrupt establishment.

Under cross-examination by Erokoro, the DSS witness admitted he did not investigate the veracity of Kanu’s claims against the individuals named. He stated that his role was limited to verifying whether Kanu had made the statements, which the defendant reportedly confirmed.

The court adjourned the trial to continue on June 13, 16, 17, 18, and 19.

Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho ordered Favour Kanu, the sister-in-law of the defendant, barred from future court proceedings. This followed her admission to live-streaming the session on social media despite multiple warnings from the court. The judge ordered her to leave the courtroom and declared she must not return unless she is involved in a separate case.

Omotosho issued a stern warning, stating that any further acts of contempt would result in offenders being remanded in Kuje prison.

Islamic cleric sentenced to d3ath by hanging for k!lling his client in Osun

An Osun State High Court, sitting in Iwo, has sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to d3ath by hanging for the m8rder of his 25-year-old client, Lukman Adeleke.

Ibrahim, an Alfa, was charged with conspiracy, m8rder, and theft, contrary to Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State.

Justice Lateef Adegoke, delivering judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and sentenced Ibrahim to d3ath by hanging for m8rder. 

A statement from the Information Officer of the Ministry of Justice, Opeyemi Bello, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday, May 28, said the prosecution team, led by Abiodun Badiora, told the court that Ibrahim was a spiritual consultant to the deceased. 

Badiora explained that the deceased had approached the cleric, revealing his intention to purchase a parcel of land, and Ibrahim asked him to bring the money for an overnight prayer before paying the vendor. 

However, after the prayers, Adeleke went missing. During the search, his family was informed by an informant that he was last seen the day he visited Ibrahim’s residence.

“When the family confronted the cleric, he initially denied seeing the deceased for over two weeks. However, a community member refuted his claim, stating he had taken Adeleke to the cleric’s house the day before his disappearance,” the statement read. 

"The matter was reported to the police, and during interrogation, Ibrahim confessed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that he had m8rdered the deceased.

"He led authorities to the Ilesa/Akure expressway, where Adeleke’s remains were found inside a sack. One of his palms had been severed. Photographic evidence was tendered in court.

“The prosecution called six witnesses and presented several exhibits, including Ibrahim’s extrajudicial confession. It was also revealed that Ibrahim had stolen N300,000 from the deceased on August 24, 2016."

The statement further said that the defendant’s counsel (name withheld) did not respond to the prosecution’s final written address.

In his judgment, Justice Adegoke found Ibrahim guilty of both m8rder and theft and sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for stealing and d3ath by hanging for m8rder. 

 

Three Deeper Life Church members returning from Bible study season kidnapped

 

Three members of Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State were reportedly kidnapped on Monday evening.

According to a message sent to the church’s WhatsApp platform, the victims were kidnapped while returning from a Bible study session at Kasemola Area inside Ogbese axis of the council.

“Good morning, beloved. Kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after Bible study at Kasemola inside the Ogbese axis.

 

We are seeking divine intervention to secure the release of our kidnapped members. The case has been reported to the police and Amotekun Corps in the state,” the message read

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the Ondo state police command, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said that the men of the command were already tracking the kidnappers in the bushes, and are also working with members of the community to rescue the victim. He, however, was unable to ascertain the number of victims.

“This shouldn’t be taken casually” – Van Vicker reacts to on-set kick incident involving Godwin Nnadiekwe and Zubby Michael

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has weighed in on the recent on-set incident where actor Godwin Nnadiekwe reportedly suffered internal bleeding after being kicked in the chest by colleague, Zubby Michael, during a movie scene. 

In a post shared on Instagram, Van Vicker described the headline as “extremely disquieting,” noting that he is yet to authenticate the claim.

He emphasised the importance of rehearsals for scenes that involve physical contact or violent actions, especially in the Nigerian film industry, where there are no insurance policies, stunt doubles, or protective rigging.

He stated that while some filmmakers believe rehearsals take away surprise elements or instinctive reactions, the safety of actors should come first.

According to him, proper rehearsals indicate that the production team is not being negligent, even if an accident still occurs.

He also called on industry stakeholders, media, and fans to treat the incident as a red flag and push for better safety measures on set.

Van Vicker concluded by stressing that actor safety is just as important as good sound, acting, or cinematography.

See the post below….

Catholic priest d!es after being swept away by flood in Niger State

The Parish priest of St. Anthony 's Catholic Church, Gulu in Lapai Local Government Area of Nigeria State, Reverend Father James Omeh and a woman identified as Charity John, have d!ed after they were swept away by flood.

Rev. Fr. Omeh also served as the Coordinator of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lapai LGA. 

The incident occurred following a heavy downpour on Sunday afternoon, May 25, 2026 which swept away the white Hilux vehicle in which Rev. Fr. Omeh and Charity John were traveling along the Lapai-Gulu Road near a river.

A source said Rev. Fr. Omeh was traveling to Gulu around 12 noon when he discovered that the Lapai-Gulu bridge had collapsed near Duma village. 

As he to turned to go back to Duma, he was caught in a torrential downpour that caused rapidly rising floodwaters, which washed away his Hilux van.

“Rev. Fr. Omeh, who was driving a white Hilux, was swept away by the flood into a deep, water-filled ditch. Local volunteers, with assistance from the Sarkin Ruwa, later recovered the vehicle. Sadly, the lifeless bodies of Rev. Fr. Omeh and a woman were recovered at the scene,” he narrated

Residents told Daily Trust that the deplorable condition of the Lapai-Gulu Road has continued to raise concerns, prompting calls for urgent intervention to protect the lives of commuters who regularly use the route.  

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday. 

He said the lifeless bodies of the victims had been recovered and handed over to the church for burial

“On 25th May, 2025 around 1 p.m., information was received that Rev. Fr. James Omeh of St. Anthony Catholic Church Gulu via Lapai and one Charity John were heading to Gulu village in a white Toyota Hilux vehicle, were reportedly swept away by flood into a flooded stream as a result of the heavy downpour and got drowned," the PPRO stated. 

“Police operatives attached to Lapai Div moved to the scene, the bodies of the victims were recovered with the help of the community members and released to the Church for burial, while the vehicle was towed out of the stream."