— Judge Warns of Jail Time for Future Contempt Acts
ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has barred Mrs. Favour Kanu, sister-in-law to detained Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu, from accessing the courtroom over her unauthorized live broadcast of proceedings in the ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Thursday after Mrs. Kanu admitted to recording and livestreaming the court session via social media—an act the judge described as contemptuous and subjudice.
The incident unfolded shortly after the court delivered a ruling on a “trial within trial” to determine the voluntariness of statements allegedly made by Kanu under duress. Justice Omotosho raised concern about live footage of court proceedings circulating online and presented printed images as evidence.
In a dramatic turn, the judge summoned Mrs. Kanu and directly asked if she was behind the unlawful transmission. She confessed, prompting Justice Omotosho to order her immediate removal from the courtroom.
“This is the third warning, and it is unacceptable,” the judge said, adding that Mrs. Kanu is now banned from entering the court premises unless she is a party in a case.
Justice Omotosho also issued a stern warning, declaring his intent to commit future violators of court decorum to Kuje Correctional Centre for contempt of court.
In a related development, lead defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, raised concern over a misleading media report aired by a television station on May 28, 2025. The report falsely claimed that the court played a video showing Kanu inspecting a radio transmitter allegedly smuggled into Nigeria.
Justice Omotosho confirmed that no such video was shown and urged Erokoro to formally file a petition. “Bring it through the right application,” the judge said. “I want to be sending people to Kuje henceforth.”
The trial continues amid heightened legal and public interest.
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