Nnamdi Kanu’s fate to be decided November 20 as court reserves judgment
Story by Okafor Vivian
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 20, 2025, to deliver judgment in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Friday after Kanu again declined to open his defence, despite being given several opportunities to do so. The IPOB leader has repeatedly maintained that there is no valid case against him.
At the previous sitting on October 24, the court had adjourned the matter to October 27 to enable Kanu to commence his defence. However, he subsequently disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself, insisting that the charges were baseless.
READ ALSO: Court warns Nnamdi Kanu: Enter defence or lose right to do so
On November 4, Justice Omotosho gave Kanu a final chance to present his defence or risk forfeiting the right, but Kanu stood firm on his position, alleging that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was illegal and in violation of a Supreme Court ruling on his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
He further argued that the terrorism charges against him were unconstitutional, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which he said requires every offence to be defined and prescribed by written law.
During Friday’s proceedings, Kanu complained that he had not been allowed to file an important court process. In response, Justice Omotosho ordered the temporary relocation of the court’s registry to the courtroom to allow the defendant to complete his filing.
After a brief recess, the federal government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court he would not respond to the fresh motion but would rely on exhibits already before the court.
READ ALSO: Supreme Court upholds FG’s appeal, Nnamdi Kanu to stand trial
In his new motion, Kanu asked the court to strike out his “not guilty” plea, alleging that it was entered under deception, and to nullify all previous proceedings on the grounds that the trial was fundamentally flawed. He also sought an immediate release from custody.
Justice Omotosho, while acknowledging the motions filed on October 30 and during Friday’s session, ruled that all pending objections and applications would be considered during judgment.
Despite repeated pleas from the bench for Kanu to open his defence, he refused, maintaining that no valid charge existed against him.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu to defend himself as his legal team withdraws from trial
The judge subsequently held that Kanu’s refusal to defend himself meant he could not later claim a denial of fair hearing. The court then adjourned for judgment, now set for November 20.
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