The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again barred human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore from attending the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), citing limited courtroom space.
The trial, scheduled for Friday, July 18, has drawn significant public interest. On Wednesday, a list of 20 individuals was submitted to the court, including Sowore, for clearance to attend the proceedings. However, the judge’s chambers later informed that only 10 persons would be granted access due to space constraints.
As a result, several names were removed from the list, including Sowore and several defence lawyers. Only senior advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and a few others were approved to be present at the hearing. Meanwhile, on June 19, the Nigerian government officially closed its case against Kanu.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), concluded its presentation after its fifth witness finished testifying. In response, the defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of plans to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.
Justice James Omotosho, the trial judge, granted the defence 14 days to file its written address on the no-case submission, with the prosecution given an additional 14 days to respond. The matter was then adjourned to July 18 for further proceedings.
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, is facing charges of treasonable felony and other offences linked to his agitation for the secession of the southeastern region of Nigeria. The Nigerian government accuses him of making statements and taking actions that incited violence and threatened national unity.
His continued detention has sparked national and international debates, with rights groups and supporters accusing the government of stifling dissent and violating Kanu’s human rights.
Pattern Of Sowore’s Exclusion From Kanu’s Trials. Meanwhile, there have been several instances where Sowore has been barred from attending Kanu’s trial. For instance, on December 15, 2023, Sowore lamented that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) blocked him from entering the Supreme Court premises to witness a ruling related to Kanu’s case.
He added that the officers shouted “No access for Sowore” upon seeing his vehicle. He later posted about the incident on social media, accusing the government of persecuting Kanu. Earlier, on October 21, 2021, Sowore was denied access to the courtroom by DSS operatives and the Nigerian Police Force. He had arrived to witness the trial of Kanu and also to check on his pending treason case.
He criticised the move, stating that the courtroom is a public space and should be accessible to all citizens. Also, on July 26, 2021, Sowore was arrested at the Federal High Court in Abuja during Kanu’s trial. Security agents picked him up on the court premises amid tight security. Journalists and other observers were also restricted from entering the courtroom unless accredited.
NAN