Court Fixes 20 November for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 20 November for judgment in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations of terrorism.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s defence, following the IPOB leader’s continued refusal to open his defence on the grounds that the charges against him were filed under a repealed law.

“This court has given the defendant the opportunity required under Section 36 of the Constitution, and I will not allow this to continue,” the judge said, ruling that Kanu had effectively waived his right to defence.

Earlier on Friday, the court gave Kanu about one hour to file the documents he claimed he required, but the situation remained unchanged.

The development comes after several adjournments in the past month, during which Kanu who disengaged his legal team and opted to represent himself maintained that there was “no valid charge” against him.

The Nigerian government has been prosecuting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges since 2015, linked to his alleged secessionist campaign for an independent Biafran state. He has consistently denied all wrongdoing.

The prosecution closed its case in June after calling five witnesses. Kanu’s subsequent no-case submission was dismissed in September, with the court ruling that he had a case to answer.

Despite being urged by the judge to prepare for his defence, Kanu insisted that the charges were invalid because they were based on a repealed version of the terrorism law.

He told the court he needed to consult with his legal consultants Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu before proceeding, but the court ultimately foreclosed the defence after repeated delays.

The judgment is now scheduled for 20 November.

Court Sets November 20 for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The judge announced the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence, despite being granted six days to do so. Justice Omotosho ruled that since the defendant did not utilise the opportunity to defend himself, he could not claim denial of his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Earlier, the court had given Kanu until November 5 to begin his defence or forfeit the right. The judge had warned that failure to proceed would be deemed a waiver.

During the proceedings, Kanu—who is representing himself—told the court that he would not enter any defence, insisting there were no valid charges against him. He demanded his immediate release, arguing that his continued trial was unlawful.

Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to Kanu’s fresh filings, saying they were not properly submitted and accused him of attempting to delay the case. He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s documents would be considered at judgment, noting that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed to seek legal assistance if necessary.

Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu 24 Hours to Finalise Defence in Terrorism Trial

Judge James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, to decide within 24 hours whether he will open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

The judge, who adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, insisted that Mr. Kanu must either present his defence or formally waive his right to do so. He again advised the IPOB leader to engage lawyers experienced in criminal law or appoint counsel willing to take up the case on his behalf.

Mr. Kanu, however, maintained his position that the terrorism charges were unlawful, arguing that no valid case had been instituted against him.

Tuesday’s session marks yet another development in the prolonged legal back-and-forth over Mr. Kanu’s defence strategy. The judge has repeatedly shifted hearing dates in recent weeks to allow him the opportunity to clarify his stance and proceed with his defence.

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.

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 ailment not life-threatening, he’s fit to stand trial – NMA Panel.

The team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has said that the ailment complained about by detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.

The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims on the issue by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defence.

In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated that Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening.

The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to the parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that Kanu could proceed with the trial.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence.

The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), that Kanu’s legal team be granted a private consultation opportunity with the defendant outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

FENRAD Urges South-East Leaders to Secure Nnamdi Kanu’s Release Over Worsening Health

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on South-East governors and federal lawmakers from the region to urgently intervene in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, citing concerns over his deteriorating health in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement issued on Thursday, the group appealed to South-East leaders to make a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Kanu’s release, warning that any delay could come at a “huge cost.”

This call comes just ahead of Friday’s ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission in the terrorism trial filed against him by the Federal Government.

The Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, stressed that the life and well-being of every Nigerian citizen must be protected under the law, regardless of political or ideological differences.

“His right to life and health must be respected. Reports from DSS custody indicate that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s health has significantly worsened, raising fears of a possible medical emergency if urgent action is not taken,” the statement read.


FENRAD warned that medical neglect could put Kanu’s life at risk, reminding the government of its moral and constitutional duty to ensure his safety while in custody.

The group urged the five South-East governors and federal lawmakers to set aside political differences and take bold steps toward securing Kanu’s release on health and humanitarian grounds. It further reminded the government of previous court orders granting Kanu bail, which are yet to be enforced.

Calling directly on President Tinubu, FENRAD appealed for statesmanship, urging him to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and relevant judicial authorities to review Kanu’s case.

“President Tinubu has a golden opportunity to demonstrate commitment to national healing, unity, and justice. Releasing Kanu under strict legal conditions would not only reduce tensions in the South-East but also pave the way for peace and dialogue,” it added.


The group also cautioned South-East legislators against silence, warning that inaction could be interpreted as complicity. It stressed that true representation requires defending the rights and welfare of constituents, even in politically sensitive matters.

Surge in Killings Across Nigeria Due to 2027 Polls Defence Chief Musa.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has linked the recent surge in killings across the country to political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa noted that the renewed wave of insecurity, particularly in the North-East and North-West, cannot be divorced from heightened political activities.

“Last year we recorded the lowest number of deaths. How come this year, suddenly, everything has spiked?” he asked. “Politics is coming, the election is coming. You cannot rule out the fact that some people are controlling these criminals to ensure there is no peace, and governance is discredited. But the funny thing is, how do you kill the people you want to govern?”

The Defence Chief said both bandits and terrorists are working together to destabilize communities, adding that local and foreign funding continue to sustain their operations. He explained that agencies, including the Attorney-General’s office, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), are tracking financiers of terrorism, though prosecutions remain slow due to legal hurdles.

Musa criticized Nigeria’s legal system for frustrating terrorism trials and called for the creation of special courts, faster prosecutions and stiffer punishments.

He further identified instability in the Sahel region and Nigeria’s porous 4,000-kilometre border as major security risks, stressing that weapons from conflict zones in Libya, Sudan and neighbouring countries flow easily into Nigeria.

He cautioned against indiscriminate hospitality towards foreigners, warning that insurgents often disguise themselves as ordinary visitors before turning violent.

On equipment and technology, Musa lamented that the military lacks real-time satellite systems and precision weaponry, noting that global conflicts have made security technology more expensive and harder to acquire.

He welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the Defence Industrial Bill, which he said would enable Nigeria to manufacture its own military hardware in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers.

JUST IN: Prosecution closes case in Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial.

The prosecution in the terrorism trial of detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) closed its case on Thursday after calling five witnesses.

Prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) announced the closure of the prosecution’s case after its fifth witness (PW5) concluded his testimony

Finland Begins Terrorism Trial Against Biafran Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, May 30, 2025, as his terrorism trial commenced. 

Finnish prosecutors have charged Ekpa with participating in a terrorist organization and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes. The charges stem from allegations that he used social media platforms to incite violence and unrest in southeastern Nigeria as part of his separatist activities.  

Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence, citing substantial evidence of Ekpa’s online activities and communications. Ekpa has denied all charges, including allegations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups.  

The trial has garnered significant attention both in Finland and Nigeria, with supporters and critics closely monitoring the proceedings.

#SimonEkpa #Biafra #FinlandTrial #TerrorismCharges #BRGIE

https://x.com/nigeriastories/status/1928468696613220669?s=46