KANU DECLINES TO ENTER DEFENCE, INSISTS NO CASE AGAINST HIM.

The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refused to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, insisting that there is no valid case against him.

Kanu had earlier indicated plans to call witnesses and even applied for a witness summons, requesting additional time to review his case file. However, at the resumed hearing, he informed the court that after studying the file, he found no legitimate charge warranting a defence.

He told the court that he believes the entire trial process is unlawful, hence there is no need to proceed with any defence.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, directed Kanu to file a written response detailing his stance and serve it on the prosecution. The judge also advised him to consult criminal law experts on the possible legal consequences of his decision.

The case was subsequently adjourned until November 4th, 5th, and 6th for the adoption of final written addresses, depending on whether the court agrees that the evidence and charges so far have failed to establish a case against the defendant — or for Kanu to reconsider and enter his defence.

Sowore Regains Freedom After Four Days in Kuje Prison.

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, has been released after spending four days in detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

Sowore confirmed his release on Monday through a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing:
“Leaving Kuje Prison in Abuja after being detained there illegally for four days by @officialABAT illegal IGP, Kayode Egbetokun. #FreeNnamdiKanuNow.”

The activist was arrested on October 23 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to see the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, during one of his court appearances.

His arrest followed a #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest outside the court, which was dispersed by police officers using tear gas and warning sh+ts. The demonstration was organized to demand the unconditional release of Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021.

On October 24, the Kuje Magistrate Court granted Sowore and others arrested alongside him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each. The court, presided over by Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, also ordered each defendant to submit their National Identification Number (NIN), three-year tax clearance certificate, and passport as part of the bail conditions.

Sowore was arraigned alongside Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s brother, and Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. The police accused them of unlawful assembly and disturbance of public peace, alleging they trespassed into restricted areas during the protest.

His release marks the end of a four-day detention that began with his arrest on October 23.

Kenya Takes Nigeria to the ICC - President Ruto Challenges Nigeria Before International Court, Freezes Billions in Assets and Declares: "You Kidnapped Nnamdi Kanu Return Him to Kenya or Face the World Court!".

President William Ruto has reportedly taken a firm stance against Nigeria over the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). According to emerging reports, President Ruto has brought Nigeria before the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the West African country of violating international law by abducting Kanu from Kenya in 2021. The Kenyan leader is also said to have imposed a travel ban on Nigerians entering Kenya and frozen assets worth billions of dollars owned by Nigerians in the country, a move aimed at pressuring Abuja to release Kanu immediately.

We are not afraid of Nigeria. If justice requires war, we are ready. You cannot invade our land, kidnap a man, and call it justice," President William Ruto was quoted as saying.

Ned Nwoko: Creation of a New State and Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Key to Lasting Peace in the South-East

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has stated that the persistent unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region stems from long-standing feelings of marginalisation by successive governments. He believes that the creation of an additional state in the region, along with the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, would help restore peace and stability.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor Collapses In Kuje Prison.

Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has collapsed while in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

This development is happening barely 24 hours after the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, allegedly refused to sign his bail bond for release.

Ejimakor was said to have slumped after complaining of weakness and difficulty standing.

Prison medical staff rushed to attend to him. His condition is believed to be getting worse, and authorities are considering transferring him to a hospital for urgent care.

Ejimakor is among 13 individuals arrested earlier in the week during the “#FreeNnamdiKanuNow” protest. Those arrested also include Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.

They were reportedly tear-gassed, beaten, and taken into custody before being moved to the notorious SARS detention facility known as “Abattoir”.

On Tuesday, they were taken to the Kuje Magistrate Court without their legal team present. The magistrate ordered their remand, and despite granting bail the following day, he allegedly disappeared without endorsing the bail documents.

Human rights activists have since raised concerns over the treatment of the lawyer and others arrested, accusing security agencies of intimidation and abuse of power.

However, lawyers and supporters are demanding immediate medical attention and full respect for their legal rights.

The Global Defence Consortium representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has accused the Federal High Court in Abuja and Justice James Omotosho of bias and denial of fair hearing following alleged irregularities during Friday’s court session.

According to a statement by Barrister Onyedikachi Ifedi, Kanu informed the court that his legal team was dismissed only a day earlier and that he could not access his legal files due to DSS restrictions. His request for more time to review the files, the defence argued, was a constitutional right under Section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, not a delay tactic.

Kanu also sought to extend his legal and medical consultations from three to five days per week—a request the court granted, though the judge claimed Kanu had wasted earlier opportunities. The defence disputed this, saying it was unfair to force a defendant in a capital case to proceed after only “three hours” of consultation.

The statement further alleged that the DSS continues to bug Kanu’s conversations with his lawyers, violating constitutional provisions and international legal standards. It added that Justice Omotosho’s actions—such as vacating the courtroom during consultations and adjourning when Kanu requested court records—proved a breach of fair hearing and contempt for open justice.

The defence also noted that its applications to bring witnesses from the U.S., Kenya, the U.K., and Ethiopia remain unaddressed, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the defence.

“These are the facts from today’s proceedings. Don’t let them feed you lies,” the defence concluded.

Court Grants Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, and 11 Others Bail.

A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore; Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu; his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and ten others, in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned before the court on charges of inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on October 20 in Abuja.

While Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the ten others were arrested during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility, Sowore was later apprehended on October 23 at the premises of the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had gone to show solidarity during Kanu’s terrorism trial.

The court, after hearing the bail applications, granted all thirteen defendants temporary freedom pending further proceedings.

"I Will Testify in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial if Subpoenaed" — Nyesom Wike.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he is ready to appear as a witness in the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu—if officially summoned by the court.

Wike made this known during his monthly media chat on Friday in Abuja, following questions about his inclusion on Kanu’s list of witnesses.

Earlier in the week, Kanu had filed a motion at the Federal High Court, Abuja, indicating plans to open his defence on October 24, 2025. The IPOB leader named 23 witnesses, including Wike, former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd).

Reacting to the development, Wike said he was unaware of his inclusion and had not received any formal notice.

Sowore Arrested Outside Federal High Court in Abuja After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has strongly criticized the arrest of activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, outside the Federal High Court in Abuja, describing the incident as “outrageous” and an assault on Nigeria’s justice system.

Effiong made his position known in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after reports and videos surfaced online showing Sowore being forcefully taken away by police officers.

The arrest occurred moments after Sowore reportedly met with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing trial at the same court.

Condemning the development, Effiong wrote: “The arrest of Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja moments ago is preposterous. The police and the Tinubu regime are making a mockery of our judicial system. He should be freed immediately. Stop the shenanigans.”

Eyewitnesses reported that the activist had just concluded an interaction with journalists and supporters outside the courtroom when security operatives moved in and apprehended him.

Video clips shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, sparking public outrage and condemnation from rights groups, lawyers, and pro-democracy advocates who described the arrest as an attempt to silence critical voices.

Effiong, a vocal defender of civil liberties, argued that Sowore’s arrest was both unlawful and a troubling indicator of growing intolerance toward dissent under the current administration.

He stated that the judiciary, as the last hope of the common citizen, should never be turned into a stage for political intimidation.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja.

Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release.

The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators.

Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23.

Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law.

He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views.

He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

"We arrested Sowore in the spirit of fair play"— Police PRO Hundeyin reveals.

The Nigeria Police Force has explained the reason behind the arrest of human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, stating that he was detained for allegedly violating a court order banning the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed on Thursday that Sowore was apprehended at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he had reportedly led the protest calling for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Hundeyin, 14 persons have so far been arrested in connection with the protest. He said Sowore’s name was mentioned by earlier detainees as the leader of the demonstration, prompting his arrest.

“He was arrested in contravention of a court order. If we charge some protesters to court and leave the person who led them, that would be unfair. In the spirit of fair play and justice, Sowore was arrested today,” Hundeyin said.

The police spokesman added that the activist would not be held for long and would be arraigned in court immediately, possibly within the same day.

Sowore, who previously spearheaded the #RevolutionNow movement, was said to have fled the scene on Monday when other protesters were taken into custody.

Nnamdi Kanu Dismisses Legal Team, Defends Himself in Terrorism Trial.

Lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), has withdrawn from representing him, stating that Kanu had taken back control of his case.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) on the defence team also withdrew from the suit — a move Kanu confirmed in court. The IPOB leader told Justice James Omotosho that he would represent himself “for now,” declining the judge’s offer to assign him a lawyer.

Defending himself, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him. Outside the courtroom, Agabi told reporters, “A number of voices have been defending Nnamdi, and he has decided to conduct his defence by himself. He has the right to do so, we respect that decision and we wish him well going forward.”

Kanu appeared before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government. When the case was called, Agabi announced that he and other SANs — Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and one unnamed — were withdrawing from the matter.

Following Kanu’s confirmation of his lawyers’ exit, Justice Omotosho ordered the remaining members of the defence team in court, except the SANs, to vacate the courtroom. He then directed Kanu to proceed with his defence.

Kanu began by contesting the court’s jurisdiction but was overruled. Ikpeazu later informed the court that their withdrawal took effect Thursday morning and requested time for Kanu to “gather his thoughts.” The prosecution did not object, prompting Justice Omotosho to adjourn the case to Friday, October 24, for Kanu to open his defence.

In a motion he personally filed, Kanu said he was ready to begin “pursuant to the order of this honourable court made on October 16, 2025.” He told the court he planned to call 23 witnesses — “ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable” ones to be summoned under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Withdraw, IPOB Leader To Defend Himself.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sacked his legal representatives.

Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, on Thursday applied to withdraw from representing the detained IPOB leader, stating that the defendant had taken the case back from them.

All the Senior Advocates of Nigeria on the defense team have also withdrawn from the suit, a development Nnamdi Kanu himself confirmed in court.

Kanu told the court that he would be representing himself for now, though that might change later. When the judge asked if he should be assigned a lawyer, he declined the offer.

Defending himself orally, Kanu argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to try him.

Lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu Agabi, has applied to withdraw from representing the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating that the defendant had taken the case back from them.

Reveals Why Nigerian Government Doesn’t Want Nnamdi Kanu Out Alive.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has alleged that the Nigerian government does not want Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to come out of detention alive.

In a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sowore claimed that Kanu remains detained because “they know the lies sustaining their power will collapse once Mazi Nnamdi Kanu walks out as a free man.”

According to him, the authorities “do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu freed alive, and they are united in that mission. Ever since they realised their web of deceit was beginning to unravel, they have gone into overdrive.”

The activist added that the government is afraid of Kanu’s release because it would expose “their fraud, greed, backstabbing, and betrayal of justice,” insisting that “the people’s eyes have opened, and fake political careers built on deceit, destruction, and the oppression of the masses will not survive the truth.”

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his rearrest over allegations of terrorism and treason linked to his involvement in the separatist movement.

Earlier this week, Sowore led a major protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), calling for Kanu’s immediate release.

Several protesters, including Kanu’s lawyer and brother, were reportedly arrested and remanded in Kuje Prison.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Lawyer to remain in Prison as Police stall Bail Hearing.

The bail hearing for the lawyer to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel “Fineboy” Kanu, was on Wednesday stalled at the Kuje Magistrate Court following the failure of the Nigeria Police Force to appear or file a counter affidavit.

The matter, which came up before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’I’d, was expected to determine the bail request filed on behalf of the two men and another person arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held in Abuja earlier this week.

However, proceedings could not go on as planned after the police failed to file their response to the bail motion or attend the session. It was gathered that Barrister Maxwell Opara, counsel to the defendants, approached the court registrar to inquire about the delay, only to be informed that the motion for bail was not listed for hearing.

Magistrate Sai’I’d, who had previously assured that the application would be given prompt attention once the police were properly served, stated that his hands were tied due to the procedural lapses caused by the police’s absence and failure to respond.

According to court sources, the police initially evaded service of the bail motion before eventually acknowledging receipt. The Magistrate had at the last sitting directed that the process be fast-tracked to ensure fairness to the accused persons, who have been in detention since their arrest.

Ejimakor, a well-known legal representative for Nnamdi Kanu, and Fineboy Kanu, were arrested alongside others during a peaceful protest in Abuja demanding the release of the IPOB leader, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.

The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, was reportedly disrupted by security operatives, leading to several arrests.

Nnamdi Kanu Opens Defence, Lists 23 Witnesses Including Wike, Sanwo-Olu and Ex-Military Chiefs.

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to open his defence, marking a major turn in his long-running trial.

This comes just hours after protests in parts of Abuja led by Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 elections, calling for Kanu’s release.

Kanu had earlier filed a motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, but in a fresh application on Tuesday, October 21, he informed Justice James Omotosho that he was ready to defend himself, citing a previous court order directing him to begin on October 24, 2025.

He revealed plans to call 23 witnesses divided into two groups—“ordinary but material witnesses” and “vital and compellable witnesses”—to testify under Section 232 of the Evidence Act.

He also requested 90 days to conclude his defence, indicating he may now be representing himself instead of his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

Among those he intends to summon as witnesses are former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), ex-Army Chief Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo Governor Hope Uzodinma, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Kanu said he would personally testify to “deny the allegations” and explain the political context of his actions, assuring the court that he would not waste its time and that “justice must be seen to be done.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, a magistrate court in Abuja ordered the remand of Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and 12 others who joined the protests demanding his release. 

They face charges of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, and public disturbance, and will appear in court again on October 24.

Court remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother, Ejimakor, others in Kuje Prison.

A magistrate court sitting in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu, brother to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, alongside his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

Their remand followed their participation in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, which took place on Monday in Abuja.

Confirming the development, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, Kanuta Kanu, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the court session on Tuesday, described the action as a “conspiracy among the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial scheduled for Thursday.”

According to court documents shared by former National Human Rights Commission chairman, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, the police arraigned Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others on charges bordering on incitement and breach of public peace.

The charge sheet alleged that the accused persons violated a court order by staging a protest that disrupted public movement, obstructed traffic, and chanted songs calling for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier disclosed on a live television programme that those arrested during the protest would face prosecution after investigation.

Both Ejimakor and Kanu’s brother have now been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Court Remands Nnamdi Kanu’s Brother and Lead Counsel Over Abuja Protest.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, Abuja, has ordered the remand of Prince Emmanuel Kanu the younger brother of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu along with his lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor.

The development was made public by Kanunta Kanu, another sibling of the IPOB leader, who alleged via a post on X that the move was part of a coordinated effort by the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government to frustrate Nnamdi Kanu’s upcoming trial scheduled for Thursday.

“The magistrate sitting in Kuje remanded Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the lead counsel in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, his youngest brother. This is a conspiracy from the executive, legislature, and judiciary to frustrate Kanu’s trial on Thursday,” Kanunta Kanu posted.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police had earlier arraigned Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others in connection with a protest held in Abuja on Monday.

Court documents shared by the former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, revealed that the defendants were charged with inciting disturbance and breach of public peace.

According to the charge sheet, they allegedly obstructed traffic flow, restricted citizens’ movement, and chanted war songs while demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore Alleges Security Operatives Fired Gunshots, Tear Gas at #FreeNnamdiKanu Protesters.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has accused Nigerian security operatives of opening fire and releasing tear gas on peaceful protesters during Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanu rally in Abuja.

Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television, Sowore claimed that the protest had barely begun in front of the Transcorp Hilton when security forces arrived in large numbers and launched an unprovoked attack.

“There were about 10 trucks that arrived as soon as we started the protest. There was no provocation on our part, like we had promised, it was an orderly and peaceful protest,” he said.

“Suddenly, from nowhere, they started shooting at us, tear gas, some live bullets were f+red. Luckily, I don’t think anybody was hit with live bullets, but they were just shooting all around us.

Eventually, they did arrest some people. I heard Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother was arrested and beaten, and his lawyer was also arrested and beaten. They’ve all been taken to the FCT Command,” Sowore added.

He alleged that a combined team of police, army, and civil defence personnel carried out the operation but confirmed that none of his team members was hit by live rounds.

The protest, led by Sowore, went ahead despite a court injunction restricting demonstrations around Aso Rock, the National Assembly, and Eagle Square. Protesters chanted, “Free Nnamdi Kanu now,” and “Don’t tear gas us,” before being dispersed by the gunfire and tear gas.

Security was heavy across central Abuja, with roads barricaded and Unity Fountain sealed off. Witnesses also reported security forces firing tear gas near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in Utako, scattering a nearby crowd.

Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains in custody as his trial on terrorism charges continues. Sowore has described his prolonged detention as “a sham designed to obstruct justice.”