Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has once again barred activist and convener of the “Take It Back Movement,” Omoyele Sowore, from attending the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), scheduled for Friday.
This marks the second time Sowore has been excluded from the list of approved observers for the high-profile proceedings. According to court sources, over 30 individuals had applied to witness the trial, but only 20 were granted access—primarily close family members of the IPOB leader.
The court emphasized that all approved observers must be seated before 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Sowore’s name was notably absent from the final list, despite his public interest in the case and previous attempts to attend.
Justice Omotosho has maintained strict control over courtroom access, citing the need for order and security amid heightened public attention. The trial, which resumed earlier this year, involves a seven-count terrorism charge against Kanu. His legal team, now bolstered by several Senior Advocates of Nigeria, continues to challenge the charges while navigating procedural hurdles.
Sowore has not issued an official statement regarding the latest exclusion, but his supporters have expressed concern over what they describe as a pattern of judicial suppression.