Wednesday, May 7, 2025 - The family of the detained Biafra nation agitator, Nnamdi Kanu has kicked against an alleged deliberate representation of court proceedings by a section of the media in the terrorism charges against him.
The family warned those involved in the alleged
misrepresentation of proceedings in the on-going criminal trial to desist from
misleading and mis-informing the general public in the interest of justice.
In a statement released in Abuja, the family cited a
publication titled “Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Inciting Public to Attack Police,
Witness Tells Court” as blatant lie and falsehood to give Kanu a bad name and
damage his reputation.
The statement was signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the
immediate younger brother of the detainee.
To avoid deliberate falsehood against Kanu and
misrepresentation of facts, the family pleaded with the authority of the
Federal High Court to permit live streaming of the proceedings.
It read in part, “The Kanu family strongly condemns the
shameful and deliberate misrepresentation of the court proceedings in the
ongoing trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as reported by certain media outlets.
“The article titled “Nnamdi Kanu Admitted Inciting Public to
Attack Police, Witness Tells Court” is a blatant distortion of the truth,
designed to mislead the public and tarnish the global reputation of Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu.
“This disgraceful journalism reflects a disturbing trend of
anti-Biafra and Igbo-hating sentiments that prioritize sensationalism over
factual reporting.
“The resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja,
presided over by the honorable Justice James Omotosho, exposed the
prosecution’s weak and embarrassing case.
“The cross-examination of the prosecution’s witness, PW-AAA
from the Department of State Services (DSS), revealed a shocking lack of
awareness regarding the charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“The witness repeatedly admitted ignorance of critical
details, including: The filing of a 15-count charge against the defendant and
the striking out of several charges by a trial judge.
“The specific allegations of inciting the public to destroy public
properties or furthering terrorism by directing attacks on government
properties in Lagos.
“Most notably, when questioned about a charge alleging
incitement to destroy government properties, the witness confirmed awareness of
the allegation but was unaware that the court had struck it out.
“This testimony directly contradicts the false narrative
peddled by Vanguard and other media outlets claiming that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
“admitted” to inciting the public.
“The witness’s response of “I’m not aware” cannot, by any
stretch of logic or ethics, be twisted into an admission of guilt by the
defendant.
“The Kanu family is appalled by the prosecution’s reliance
on unsubstantiated allegations and their failure to produce any credible
evidence in court.
“Witness PW2-BBB, who Mazi Nnamdi Kanu described as a
“mercenary hired to testify against him,” is not an SSS officer based at the
national headquarters in Abuja and is unknown to the defendant.
“The prosecution’s attempt to present baseless claims
through this witness, without tendering any evidence, is a mockery of justice.
“Equally troubling is the media’s role in amplifying
falsehoods while ignoring the substance of the case.
“Instead of focusing on the prosecution’s deceit and the
court’s exasperation with their antics, certain media houses have chosen to
sensationalize trivial matters, such as the exclusion of Princess Favour Kanu,
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s sister-in-law, from the courtroom for streaming the
proceedings.
“This minor infraction pales in comparison to the travesty
of justice unfolding in this case, yet it has been weaponized to distract from
the prosecution’s failures.
“The deliberate misinformation emanating from this trial
underscores the urgent need for transparency. The Kanu family humbly calls on
Justice James Omotosho to allow live streaming of the proceedings.
“This case, which carries global interest and significance,
demands real-time access to counter the propaganda and falsehoods peddled by
government-controlled media.
“The gagging of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s family and legal team
from conducting live interviews after court sessions only serves to embolden
the prosecution’s deceitful tactics.
“The Nigerian government’s conduct in this case is an
embarrassment to the judiciary and a betrayal of the principles of natural
justice.
“Justice Omotosho has demonstrated commendable impartiality,
yet the prosecution’s desperation to distort facts and manipulate public
perception threatens the integrity of the trial.
“The media’s complicity in spreading lies, such as the
baseless claim that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu admitted to inciting violence, is
indicative of the pressure exerted on journalists to serve as mouthpieces for
the government’s agenda.
“The Kanu family will not stand idly by while Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu’s reputation is unjustly maligned.
“We demand that media outlets retract their false reports
and focus on the substance of the case: a prosecution built on lies,
unsubstantiated allegations, and procedural violations.
“We call on the public, both in Nigeria and globally, to
reject the government’s propaganda and demand accountability.
“This case is not a legal proceeding but a circus
orchestrated to silence a man who has fearlessly advocated for the rights of
his people.
“We urge all lovers of justice to join us in condemning this
travesty and to support our call for live streaming to ensure the truth is no
longer distorted”, the statement said.
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