From Matthew Ogune, Abuja
A senior legal officer of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Onyedikachi Ifedi, Esq., has urged the media to uphold the principles of fair and factual reporting in the ongoing trial of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, warning against the distortion of legal arguments presented by the defence team.
Speaking over the weekend in Abuja, Ifedi, who is the head of the Directorate of Legal Affairs, Research and Global Communication for IPOB, expressed dismay at what he described as a deliberate media blackout and misrepresentation of the compelling legal submissions made by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, during the resumed court hearing on Thursday.
“Media practitioners have a duty to report the brilliant, fact-based legal arguments presented in open court, not to amplify propaganda dished out by government lawyers,” Ifedi said.
He specifically criticised the failure of media outlets to highlight Agabi’s probing questions during the hearing, including the whereabouts of over 170 security personnel the government claims were killed due to Kanu’s broadcasts.
“Who are the families of these alleged victims? Why have they not testified in court? Who issued the unsigned and unauthenticated death certificates the DSS tried to smuggle into evidence?” Ifedi queried.
Agabi had argued in court that no individual had come forward under oath to link Mazi Kanu’s broadcasts to any act of violence.
He challenged the prosecution to tender forensic evidence, eyewitnesses, or a lawful investigation directly implicating Kanu in any crime.
“Self-determination is not a crime. No Nigerian law criminalises calling for Biafra. Free speech—even fiery speech—is not terrorism,” he submitted.
Ifedi further noted that all five prosecution witnesses who testified were agents of the Department of State Services (DSS) and not direct victims or investigators of alleged violence.
He emphasised that the so-called evidence provided consisted of unsigned and unauthenticated documents, not forensic or eyewitness accounts.
The government’s case is built on hearsay, not law. Hyperbole is not terrorism. If it were, many government officials who have made worse statements should be in prison,” he stated.
The IPOB legal team is now challenging Nigerian media houses to publish Agabi’s submission in full, including the absence of direct evidence and the lack of credible witnesses supporting the charges.
“We dare the media to report the facts, not fabrications. Publish the truth: that no lawful investigation under the Terrorism Prevention Act links Mazi Kanu to any violence,” Ifedi declared.
He reminded the public and international observers that propaganda cannot replace evidence and called for an end to what he described as a legally unsustainable and politically motivated trial.
