The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over alleged terrorism offences.
Justice James Omotosho set the date on Friday after the court foreclosed the defence, following Kanu’s refusal to open his case under what he described as a repealed law.
“This court has given the defendant every opportunity as required under Section 36 of the Constitution,” Justice Omotosho stated. “I will not allow this to continue. The defendant has therefore waived his right.”
Background
Kanu, a dual Nigerian and British citizen, has been facing trial since 2015 on seven terrorism-related charges linked to his campaign for the secession of the South-east region to become the Republic of Biafra.
Kanu had previously declined to open his defence, insisting that the prosecution must first identify the specific provisions of the terrorism law he allegedly breached.
He has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the charges were filed under a repealed terrorism law.
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The prosecution, led by the Federal Government, closed its case in June after presenting five witnesses.
Subsequently, Kanu filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish any credible evidence against him.
However, in September, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that Mr Kanu had a case to answer.
Since the ruling, Mr Kanu has disengaged his legal team, informing the court of his decision to represent himself.
The court has since granted multiple adjournments to allow him to prepare his defence, including the final date of Friday. He, however, argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which the charge was brought against him, had since been repealed
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
