A Federal High Court judge in Abuja has expressed frustration over the prolonged terrorism trial of detained Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, instructing his legal team to "put its house in order" and avoid further delays in proceedings that have already stretched for a decade.

Justice James Kolawole Omotosho made the remarks on Wednesday after Kanu's counsel, Chief Paul Erokoro, SAN, requested an adjournment midway through proceedings where the Federal Government's second witness was scheduled for cross-examination.

"I granted accelerated hearing in the trial when I discovered in the case file that the trial had been on since 2015, a period of ten years without any headway," Justice Omotosho stated during the proceedings.

The adjournment request by Erokoro, who claimed the defense had video clips to be tendered in court, was strongly opposed by Federal Government lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN. Awomolo argued that the defense should have been prepared with all necessary materials, noting that the cross-examination date had been scheduled five days prior.

Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted a one-day adjournment until May 22, 2025, but with a stern warning against further delays. "It would not be fair for Kanu if the trial is to drag for another ten years," the judge remarked, adding that he would order the cross-examination closed if the defense continued to delay proceedings.

During Wednesday's session, three certified copies of judgments claimed to be in favor of Kanu were tendered and admitted as exhibits. These included judgments from the Abia State High Court, Federal High Court (Abia Division), and Ebonyi State High Court.

The IPOB leader has been in detention facing terrorism-related charges, with his case attracting significant attention across Nigeria and internationally. Justice Omotosho has now set May 22 for the definite conclusion of the cross-examination of the Department of State Services (DSS) witness.