The destiny of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a figure both supported and heavily criticised, will be determined at the Federal High Court in Abuja today 20 November.
Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after ruling that Kanu had used up the six days granted to him to present his defence in the terrorism case instituted by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government filed a seven-count charge against Kanu, covering terrorism-related offences tied to his broadcasts and role as IPOB leader. Authorities described the alleged offences as threats to national security. Prosecutors claim that Kanu’s statements fueled violence and weakened the sovereignty of the Nigerian state. The case reached a decisive stage on 19 June 2025 when the prosecution rested its case after presenting witnesses and documentary evidence.
Kanu submitted a no-case application, but the judge rejected it. Rather than opening a standard defence, Kanu has focused on questioning the legality and jurisdiction of the court. He argues that he cannot be tried under what he terms an invalid or repealed terrorism law, insisting that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act used in the charge is no longer legally enforceable.
Kanu has also requested the court to strike out his earlier plea of ‘not guilty,’ saying it was entered under conditions that violated his rights.
The IPOB leader has repeatedly called the proceedings “a conspiracy,” alleging that both internal and external forces are determined to secure his conviction. In a surprising move, he approached the Court of Appeal seeking to stop the High Court’s decision, claiming that his appeal over the dismissed no-case submission is still unresolved. But Justice Omotosho rejected concerns about fairness, maintaining that Kanu had been given enough opportunity to defend himself but declined to do so.
At the most recent court session, the judge further dispensed with the requirement for final written addresses, stating that the judgment would be based solely on the arguments and documents already before the court.
Whether Kanu will walk free or face a sentence that could keep him incarcerated for many more years remains uncertain.
