The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) today issued a forceful condemnation of the ongoing trial proceedings of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, calling for immediate public access and live streaming of all sessions.
In a press release signed by Comrade Emma Powerful, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, IPOB unequivocally stated that the current “media blackout and clandestine trial proceedings” presided over by Justice Omotosho are a direct violation of Section 36(3) of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandates that all criminal trials be held in public.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the statement asserted, emphasizing that the court should not allow itself to be used by the prosecution, which IPOB claims has “weaponized the media to demonize Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and misrepresent IPOB’s lawful pursuit of self-determination.”
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IPOB questioned the state’s alleged secrecy, particularly after what they described as years of significant expenditure on propaganda against Kanu and the group.
“Why the secrecy? What are they hiding?” the press release queried, challenging the government to conduct the trial “before the full glare of the Nigerian public and the international community” if it is confident in its case.
The group specifically cited the recent cross-examination of a key prosecution witness, identified as PW-BBB, alleging that the witness’s testimony was “filled with ‘I don’t know,’ inconsistencies, and rehearsed falsehoods.” IPOB suggested that the state has resorted to a “judicially sanctioned information blockade” to prevent the public from witnessing the exposure of what they term a “charade.”
In response, IPOB laid out a series of demands:
* Immediate live streaming of all trial proceedings for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to ensure transparency and restore public confidence.
* Unrestricted access to court proceedings for a diverse group of independent, non-partisan media organizations, including international observers.
* An immediate end to what they describe as “biased and manipulated reporting by compromised media outlets” that allegedly favor the prosecution’s narrative.
IPOB concluded by stating that the case extends beyond Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, touching upon “the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, the sanctity of the Constitution, and the right of every citizen to a fair and public trial.”
The group warned that the Nigerian state “cannot be allowed to conduct a high-profile political trial under a cloak of secrecy while pretending to adhere to the rule of law,” and sent a clear message to those opposing transparency: “the guilty are always afraid of the light. If you are sure of your case, open the courtroom doors and let the truth be heard by all. The world is watching.”