Tension is rising across the country as the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to know his fate today in his long-running terrorism trial. The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, will deliver judgment on several applications filed by both Kanu and the Federal Government.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021 after what his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya, is facing seven terrorism-related charges. These include allegations of incitement, running an unlawful group and actions said to threaten national security—charges he strongly denies.
Justice Omotosho had fixed today for judgment after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days given to him. Despite the prosecution calling five witnesses and tendering exhibits, Kanu did not use the opportunity to present his defence. Instead, he filed a fresh motion arguing that the terrorism law under which he was charged had been repealed. He asked the court to strike out the charges, set aside all proceedings and order his release.
But the judge ruled that Kanu was not denied fair hearing since he refused to present his defence even after being given multiple opportunities, including personal appeals from the court. The case, which began in 2015, has faced many delays, adjournments, appeals, and counter-applications.
Kanu’s legal journey has been filled with twists. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged him and ordered his release, citing the illegality of his rendition. However, the Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, which reversed the decision and sent the case back to the trial court.
His continued detention has drawn both national and international attention. Many groups, especially from the South-East, have repeatedly called for his release to help restore peace in the region. But the Federal Government insists he still has questions to answer.
As the court prepares to deliver its ruling, security has been tightened around the Federal High Court in Abuja as supporters, journalists and observers gather to witness one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political cases.
In Abia State, Kanu’s home state, the police have also increased security. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the state remains peaceful, but the Commissioner of Police has deployed officers across the state to prevent any breakdown of law and order. She added that the police are working closely with other security agencies to maintain calm regardless of the outcome of the judgment.
Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a fresh complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja, accusing two DSS witnesses of giving false testimony during his trial. In the complaint, he alleges that the witnesses misled the court about their roles in his interrogation in 2015 and 2021, an act he claims amounts to perjury.
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