The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Friday after foreclosing Kanu’s defence following his continued insistence that he would not present his case under what he described as a repealed law.
“This court has given opportunity to the defendant under Section 36 as required by the constitution, and I will not allow this to continue,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
“It is based on this, without hesitation, that I say that the defendant has waived his right.”
Earlier on Friday, the court had granted Kanu one hour to file documents he claimed were necessary for his defence. The decision came after the judge had, on Wednesday, given the IPOB leader a final chance to open his defence—an opportunity he has repeatedly declined in recent months.
The Nigerian government has been prosecuting Kanu on seven terrorism-related charges since 2015, following his alleged involvement in violent secessionist activities advocating for the independence of the South-East region as Biafra.
Kanu, who holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The prosecution closed its case in June after presenting five witnesses. In response, Kanu filed a no-case submission, arguing that the government had failed to establish credible evidence warranting any defence.
However, in September, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that Kanu had a case to answer and should proceed with his defence.
Since that ruling, multiple hearings have been scheduled for Kanu to begin his defence. However, progress stalled after he disengaged his legal team, informing the court that he intended to represent himself.
Over the past month, the court has granted several adjournments to allow him to reconsider his position, but Kanu maintained that there was no valid charge against him.
“The charges were brought under a repealed terrorism law,” Kanu argued in court.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho reminded the defendant that his continued refusal to enter a defence could have legal consequences.
“You must keep your gun powder dry for your defence,” the judge advised.
Kanu, however, stated that he needed to consult with his four legal consultants — Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu — before making any decision, leading to the adjournment to Friday’s sitting.
With Kanu maintaining his stance, the court has now reserved judgment for November 20, a date that could mark a significant turning point in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile and politically sensitive trials.
