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The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed today at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with dramatic courtroom developments that left both legal teams and observers on edge. The presiding judge, visibly dissatisfied with the Federal Government's slow pace in presenting witnesses, issued a stern ultimatum, threatening to close the prosecution’s case if delays persist.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5XnLU_ReJU

After cross-examining the second prosecution witness, who offered vague and contradictory answers—including repeated claims of “I don’t know”—the court discharged him. The prosecution, however, failed to present a prepared third witness, prompting the court to adjourn the case to May 28, 29, and subsequently June 6, 16, 18, and 19, 2025.

Highlighting the prolonged nature of the trial, the judge emphasized the need for accelerated hearings and gave the prosecution a clear directive: “Pick six days within two weeks and present all your witnesses. If you fail to do so, I will strike out your case as weak.”

In one of the most pointed moments of the day, the judge urged the prosecution to cut down their lengthy list of witnesses, warning, “We cannot continue like this. Reduce your witnesses so this matter can end soon.”

The courtroom also witnessed the playing of multiple video clips submitted by the defense. One such video featured Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who had earlier accused IPOB of killings in Orlu but was now seen suggesting the violence was politically motivated. Another showed prominent figures, including DSS Director Oluwatosin Ajayi and Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, calling on citizens to defend themselves—a statement the witness declined to interpret, stating it wasn’t his job.

The defense, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, continued to challenge the credibility of the witness, questioning the lack of investigation reports, lack of direct evidence tying Kanu to any violence, and inconsistencies in the DSS’s claims. The witness admitted that he never investigated IPOB members individually, nor did he possess any conclusive evidence of criminal acts instigated by Kanu.

Further courtroom exchanges raised serious questions about the strength of the prosecution’s case, with the witness unable to identify individuals in the video clips or confirm details about IPOB's alleged actions. He also admitted to not replying directly to the Attorney General of the Federation’s letter and failing to provide investigation documents.

The defense’s legal team featured a robust line-up, including Paul Erokoro SAN, Alloy Ejimakor, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and others, while the Federal Government was represented by Awomolo SAN and his team.

As the courtroom drama intensifies and the trial drags into its tenth year, many Nigerians and international observers continue to question the handling of the case. The presiding judge’s comments today signal a turning point, as the court inches toward either a definitive judgment—or dismissal.

Governor Of Abia State, Dr.Alex Otti has stated that the previous administration under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu spent more money on the Port Harcourt Road project without delivering results than his government did to successfully reconstruct and complete the road, ABN TV reports.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving event tagged ‘Promise Kept Carnival’ organized by the Aba community at Umuagbai Secondary School along Port Harcourt Road, Governor Otti emphasized the contrast between both administrations in terms of fiscal responsibility and performance.

“In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road project for N9.8 billion, and the entire amount was paid. But the road was not done,” Otti said. “Fast forward to 2025, the project cost N36.5 billion, and suddenly, they began making noise.”

He explained that a closer look at the figures based on prevailing exchange rates exposes the truth. “The average exchange rate in 2017 was N333 to a dollar, meaning that N9.8 billion was equivalent to USD29 million. In 2025, with an exchange rate of N1,600, N36.5 billion is about USD22.8 million.”

The Governor asked a rhetorical question to drive home his point: “USD29 million and USD22 million, which one is higher?” He concluded, “In 2017, USD29 million was spent and no road was done. In 2025, USD22 million was spent, and a standard road is delivered and ready for use.”

Governor Otti said his administration prefers to respond to critics with performance rather than words, stressing that the completed road stands as evidence of responsible governance and commitment to public infrastructure.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has denied involvement in the controversial 2021 arrest and repatriation of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from Kenya, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjXbHetLn3o

The agency insisted its operations are strictly limited to Nigeria’s borders.

This revelation came during the cross-examination of a prosecution witness, code-named Mr. BBB, who is an intelligence officer with the DSS. Under questioning by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, the witness stated that Nnamdi Kanu had told him personally that he was "kidnapped" from Kenya and brought to Nigeria. However, Mr. BBB maintained that the DSS lacks the jurisdiction to arrest individuals outside Nigerian territory.

"The DSS does not operate outside Nigeria. We cannot arrest anyone beyond the borders," the witness affirmed.

Mr. BBB also distanced the agency from allegations of political influence, noting that the DSS reports to the National Security Adviser and not the Attorney General or any minister.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, appeared today, May 8, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja as his trial resumed, with both defense and prosecution continuing arguments over his alleged involvement in terrorism-related offenses, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi34QCm4uQY

Kanu, who looked calm and well-composed in court, was surrounded by his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), with appearances by Aloy Ejimakor, Emeka Etiaba, and other prominent lawyers. The day’s proceedings featured cross-examination by the Department of State Services (DSS), playing of video evidence, and examination of documents related to his past broadcasts and activities.

In a powerful moment during the cross-examination, Kanu insisted that his return to Nigeria was not by choice but through force.

“I wasn’t arrested, I was kidnapped,” he told the court, referencing his controversial extradition from Kenya in 2021.

The prosecution had presented videos and documents it claimed linked Kanu to inciting violence, destruction of public property, and the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). However, Kanu maintained that ESN was set up solely for the protection of local communities from external threats.

“They are in the bush protecting our mothers when they go to farms,” he said. “I formed ESN to protect our people where the government failed.”

When asked about the attacks on public institutions, including INEC offices and the killing of political figures, Kanu denied any direct connection, reiterating IPOB’s philosophy of non-violence.

“The movement I lead is not violent,” he said. “In a democracy, people have the right to protest. I never ordered anyone to kill.”

Kanu also challenged the prosecution’s attempt to blame him for the death of Ahmed Gulak, questioning the evidence linking IPOB to the incident.

Justice Omotosho, who presided over the case, adjourned the trial to May 14, 21, and 22, 2025, for further cross-examination and continuation of witness testimonies.

Black smoke once again billowed from the Sistine Chapel's chimney on Thursday, signaling that the cardinals gathered in conclave have not yet decided who will become the next pope, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFLLpJSWHJw

This marks the second consecutive day without a successful vote, as 133 cardinal electors continue their secret deliberations within the Vatican. The traditional black smoke, produced by burning the ballots, indicated to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that a new pope had not yet been chosen.

The faithful and curious continue to wait in anticipation as the world watches for the white smoke that will announce the election of a new spiritual leader for the Roman Catholic Church.

The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, resumed today at the Federal High Court in Abuja with heated exchanges between the prosecution and defense teams over the handling of critical documents, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29BYKYlqliQ

The proceedings, which began with Kanu’s arrival at the court under tight security, saw the prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo, calling its second witness to testify. The witness claimed that Kanu incited violence and established the Eastern Security Network (ESN), allegedly as an armed wing of IPOB.

However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted ignorance of several key facts, including that a previous court ruling had already struck out some of the charges against Kanu. Defense lawyers pressed the witness on whether he was aware that the allegations of terrorism and incitement to destroy public property had been dismissed—a claim he denied knowledge of.

The defense team, led by renowned lawyer and former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), objected to the prosecution’s attempt to tender new documents in court, citing a lack of prior service. Justice Omotosho firmly reminded the prosecution that all evidence and documents must be duly served to the defense before they can be admitted. He emphasized the importance of fair hearing and due process.

At one point, a letter allegedly from a former Attorney General of the Federation became a point of contention. The defense maintained they had never received the document, and even Justice Omotosho confirmed he had not seen it. Following this, the prosecution formally withdrew the letter from the court’s records.

Kanu’s legal team, comprising over a dozen lawyers, including Aloy Ejimakor, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), further insisted on viewing all materials presented by the prosecution. Despite the prosecution's claims that they were prepared to serve the documents, the defense argued that the late submission was prejudicial to their case.

As proceedings became increasingly contentious, the prosecution requested an adjournment to allow for proper service of documents—a motion the court granted.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to Tuesday, May 7, 2025, specifically for the continuation and examination of the prosecution’s witness. The court also noted that an application regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s personal belongings is expected to be submitted.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the proscription of its organization by the Nigerian government, describing it as “kangaroo justice” and a gross violation of constitutional and judicial processes.

In a press statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB accused the APC-led federal government of using “backdoor tactics” and corrupt means to criminalize its peaceful advocacy for self-determination.

Citing a 2017 ruling by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, IPOB said there was no legal basis for its designation as an unlawful group. “Justice Nyako unequivocally found no evidence—none whatsoever—to support the prosecution’s claim that IPOB is an unlawful or proscribed society,” the group noted, referencing Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/15.

Despite the subsisting nature of that ruling, IPOB alleged that the then-Buhari administration secured an ex parte proscription order from another judge, Justice Abdul Kafarati, without giving IPOB or its lawyers the opportunity to be heard — a move the group insists contravenes Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to fair hearing.

“The government failed to achieve its goal through a fair legal process and instead chose to manipulate the judiciary in secrecy,” the statement added. IPOB described the proscription order as “null and void ab initio,” claiming it failed to meet legal requirements for such actions.

The group also criticized the Court of Appeal for upholding the proscription, arguing that no amount of affirmation could validate a ruling “built on an illegal foundation.”

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful advocacy, IPOB called on the international community, human rights bodies, and civil society to scrutinize what it called a “travesty of justice” and to pressure the Nigerian government into reversing the proscription.

“We will not be silenced by illegal proscriptions or state-sponsored oppression,” the statement read. “The world is watching, and history will judge those who choose to trample on justice for political expediency.”

Governor Alex Otti says over 700,000 children across Abia State are now benefiting from the state’s free and compulsory basic education policy, which took effect on January 1, 2024, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOic0K4K9ng

The Governor revealed this while addressing the public during his monthly media briefing, noting that the spike in school enrollment necessitated urgent recruitment of teachers.

“We first hired 5,000 teachers, but due to increasing enrollment, we have approved the recruitment of an additional 4,000,” Governor Otti said.

He added that the government is also investing in teacher capacity development, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), to ensure students are future-ready.

“Our goal is to equip children to thrive in today’s tech-driven world—one of AI, robotics, and electric cars,” he emphasized.

Governor Alex Otti has issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating in Abia State, stating that his administration will not tolerate acts of kidnapping, banditry, or insecurity, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOic0K4K9ng

Speaking during his April edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the Governor stressed that the government’s “Operation Crush” security initiative is operational across all 17 local government areas of the state.

“Some people who tested our will didn’t find it easy,” the Governor said. “Security is everybody’s business, and I urge our people to report any suspicious activity.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to making Abia safe for businesses, investors, and residents, warning that “all the investments we’re making in infrastructure and healthcare would be meaningless if security is not guaranteed.”

The community of Elu Ohafia was engulfed in sorrow on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, as the remains of the late Kalu Uchendu, popularly known as "Anyunku," were laid to rest amidst tears and tributes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3YBrQKDHu4
ABN TV reports that the 54-year-old cultural icon, known for his vibrant displays of the Ohafia War Dance, died suddenly on January 17, 2025. While initial reports suggested food poisoning, some sources also mentioned that he had been suffering from high blood pressure prior to his demise.

A large crowd of mourners gathered to pay their final respects, beginning with a wake keep on Monday, April 28, which lasted from 7:00 p.m. until dawn. The funeral proceedings continued Tuesday with the body leaving the Central Hospital Ohafia in a motorcade to his hometown, Elu Ohafia, where it was received by the Ndi Anya Compound.

An open-air funeral service followed at Achichi Ohafia by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his body was interred shortly after.

Kalu Uchendu was widely admired for preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Ohafia people through traditional dance. His passing marks the end of an era and has left a deep void in the hearts of many who knew and loved him.

He is survived by family members including his children, grandchildren, and extended relatives.

A mild drama played out at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday when the wife of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Mrs. Favour Michael Kanu, had her mobile phone confiscated by the presiding judge for allegedly attempting to record a live video during court proceedings.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoyT3ZsmXCw

Speaking with an ABN TV correspondent shortly after the incident, Mrs. Kanu explained that the court session had already ended and the matter had been adjourned to April 2nd before she began a live video on her phone.

“They have seized my phone! The judge seized my phone and threatened to charge me with contempt for recording,” she said in frustration, adding in a Facebook post, “Well, my phone is gone.”

Despite her explanation that she did not record during active court proceedings, the judge reportedly maintained that recording within the courtroom premises without permission remains a violation of court rules and decorum. A warning of possible contempt charges was also issued.

The session was part of the ongoing legal battle involving IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose case has drawn both national and international attention.

Tinubu's Minister In Trouble As Rep. Ogah Accuses Her Of Forging INEC Results


The lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling for the investigation and prosecution of the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, over alleged forgery of official election documents.

In his petition to INEC, titled “Forgery, Uttering, and Tendering of Allied Forged Polling Unit Result Sheets Arising Out of the 2023 General Elections in Respect of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency,” Hon. Ogah alleged that Onyejeocha presented fake results from 63 polling units during the 2023 election tribunal proceedings.

The lawmaker claimed that the documents presented by Onyejeocha, which were relied upon by the tribunal in its ruling, differed significantly from the Certified True Copies (CTCs) issued by INEC offices in Umuahia and Abuja. According to him, INEC officials from both offices later disowned the results tendered by the Minister, reaffirming that the copies presented by Ogah were the authentic ones.

“It is obvious from my narrative above that these 63 polling unit results tendered by Hon. Onyejeocha were fake and a product of forgery,” Ogah stated. “There can only be one authentic result per polling unit, and INEC has confirmed that the ones I presented are genuine.”

Fresh facts emerging from the tribunal proceedings reveal that the allegedly forged documents were central to the judgment that favored Onyejeocha. Ogah is now demanding that INEC take urgent steps to investigate the matter and prosecute those involved, warning that such acts of electoral fraud undermine the nation’s democracy and judicial integrity.

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Tuesday admitted in court to founding both IPOB and Radio Biafra, the online platform through which he addressed followers across the world, ABN TV reports.

Speaking during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu stated that he started the movement for the overall good of the Igbo people. According to him, all his broadcasts were public and available on Facebook, dismissing claims that IPOB operates as a secret organization.

When questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS) about individuals he was working with, Kanu maintained that he works alone and personally handles all broadcasts on Radio Biafra.

The presiding judge also ordered that a video recording of Kanu’s interrogation be played in court as part of the ongoing trial.