The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is set to learn his fate today in the ongoing legal battle with the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule on several applications filed by both Kanu and the government. Among them, Kanu challenges the validity of the charges against him and seeks release on grounds of unlawful detention and infringement of his fundamental rights.
Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following his controversial return to Nigeria from Kenya in circumstances his lawyers have described as “extraordinary rendition.” He faces seven terrorism-related charges, including alleged incitement, running an unlawful organization, and acts threatening national security, all of which he denies.
Court Proceedings and Kanu’s Motion
On November 7, Justice Omotosho fixed Thursday for the delivery of judgment, after Kanu failed to open his defence despite being given six days to do so.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, Kanu filed a fresh motion challenging the trial. He argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he was charged, had been repealed, rendering the charges invalid. He also sought to expunge his “not guilty” plea, claiming it was entered under deception and contrary to the Supreme Court’s directives.
Kanu requested the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings, strike out the charges for lack of jurisdiction, and order his release.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu had waived his right to defence by failing to present it. The judge stressed that the court had ensured a fair hearing, noting that the defendant had abandoned his defence and claimed there was no law under which he was being tried. Multiple adjournments had been granted to Kanu, including opportunities to cross-examine prosecution witnesses.
The judge also highlighted that the case, originally filed in 2015, suffered delays before being reassigned to his court, where it received an accelerated hearing. The prosecution called five witnesses and submitted several exhibits before closing its case in June 2025.
Legal History and Appeals
Kanu’s legal journey has been marked by repeated adjournments, court orders, appeals, and counter-applications. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged him and ordered his release, ruling that his rendition from Kenya violated international law. The Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, which overturned the decision and ordered him back to the trial court.
His detention has drawn national and international attention. Igbo socio-cultural groups, human rights organizations, and political leaders from the South-East have called for his release, arguing that it could help reduce rising insecurity in the region. The Federal Government, however, insists that Kanu must stand trial.
Heightened Security Across the South-East
Security has been intensified around the Federal High Court as supporters, journalists, and observers await the verdict.
In Abia State, Kanu’s home region, the police have deployed extensive security measures. ASP Maureen Chinaka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, quoted Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa as saying that the state is peaceful, but security arrangements are in place to prevent any disruption following the judgment.
Chinaka added, “Officers of the Abia State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, are on the ground to ensure law and order and protection of life and property. This is not only for Thursday but a continuous effort to maintain peace.”
As of this report, there has been no notable police presence at Kanu’s country home in Afaraukwu, Umuahia. In Enugu State, PPRO Daniel Ndukwe did not provide comments, and the Force Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to inquiries.
Kanu’s Complaint Against DSS Witnesses
Ahead of today’s judgment, Kanu has filed a criminal complaint against two DSS witnesses at a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja. Dated November 13, the complaint alleges that the witnesses, identified as TAA (PW1) and BBB (PW2), gave false evidence on oath during his trial.
The complaint names the Attorney General of the Federation, the DSS Director-General, and the two witnesses as defendants, with Kanu as the complainant. He cites violations of the Penal Code, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and sections of the 1999 Constitution.
Kanu claims that TAA falsely denied knowing the DSS Assistant Director, Brown Ekwoaba, who oversaw his interviews and detention in 2015, while BBB allegedly misrepresented his involvement in Kanu’s 2021 video interview. According to Kanu, both witnesses gave materially false testimony intended to obscure the true chain of custody of his statements from 2015 and 2021.
Categories:
-
Politics
-
Insecurity
-
Law & Justice
-
South-East Nigeria
