The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning to Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, over what it described as unprofessional conduct stemming from his social media activity related to the ongoing trial.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, cautioned during proceedings on Wednesday that Ejimakor’s persistent publication of courtroom details and trial commentary online, particularly on Facebook, amounted to misconduct capable of undermining the integrity of the court. He described the behaviour as an exploitation of legal proceedings for online popularity and traffic, warning that continued actions of this nature could lead to Ejimakor’s disbarment.
The issue came to the fore after a letter written by the Federal Government’s lead prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), was presented to the court. The letter, dated May 14, 2025, expressed strong objections to the livestreaming of the court proceedings and the dissemination of what Awomolo termed “misleading, embarrassing and unpleasant” information by Ejimakor. He called for a ban on the use of phones inside the courtroom to prevent further violations.
“My juniors informed me that court proceedings were being streamed online,” Awomolo stated in the letter. He further accused Ejimakor of publishing court-related materials, including a list of Kanu’s approved counsel, on social media in a bid to sway public sentiment.
Awomolo emphasized that the seriousness of the case demanded a high level of decorum from both parties and warned that trivializing the trial through sensational online posts would not be tolerated.
Lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), acknowledged the concerns raised by the prosecution and condemned the actions of his colleague. He expressed regret over Ejimakor’s posts and offered a formal apology to both the court and the prosecution, pledging that such conduct would not be repeated.
Justice Omotosho, who appeared visibly displeased, said that the ongoing trial was not a theatre for social media theatrics. “This is a serious matter that should not be reduced to drama. Lawyers who indulge in online stunts are doing so at the risk of their licenses,” he warned. He described Ejimakor and others behaving similarly as “content creators” whose real interest lies not in justice but in prolonging the case for personal benefit.
The judge reminded the courtroom that he had granted an accelerated hearing to ensure that justice is served promptly, particularly in light of Kanu’s prolonged detention. He recalled similar proceedings in 2024 where he fast-tracked trials involving 50 IPOB suspects, eventually acquitting them despite attempts by both sides to delay the process.
“This kind of noise outside the courtroom must not distract us from what we are here to do,” Omotosho stated, emphasizing that all parties must remain focused and professional to avoid unnecessary complications.
Following the warnings, proceedings continued with the cross-examination of the prosecution’s second witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative identified as “BBB.” Defence lawyer Paul Erokoro (SAN) conducted the cross-examination, seeking clarifications on a number of issues related to the DSS’s operations, intelligence-gathering methods, and their involvement in Kanu’s controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021.
The witness confirmed that Kanu had indeed told them he was taken from Kenya and returned to Nigeria. However, BBB stated that the DSS lacked the authority to make arrests outside Nigerian territory and denied that the agency acted under the directives of politicians or ministers, clarifying that it operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
BBB also claimed that Kanu’s broadcasts on Radio Biafra were inciteful and contributed to acts of violence during the #EndSARS protests and beyond. He cited specific incidents allegedly linked to IPOB’s militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), including the murder and beheading of military personnel in Orlu, Imo State, the burning of a police station in Ebonyi, and attacks on public facilities like a Lagos High Court and a cargo terminal at Murtala Muhammed Airport.
The defence, in response to the witness’s claims, requested an adjournment to allow for the tendering of a video clip as part of their evidence. Justice Omotosho granted the request and admitted into evidence certified true copies of previous judgments from high courts in Abia, Umuahia, and Enugu that relate to Kanu’s fundamental rights enforcement suits.
As the trial continues, Justice Omotosho reiterated his commitment to fairness and a speedy resolution. However, he maintained that the dignity of the court must be preserved and reminded lawyers on both sides that professionalism—not public sentiment—must guide their conduct.
The case has been adjourned to allow further cross-examination and the submission of additional evidence by the defence.
