Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

Federal High Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Fourth Opportunity To Open Defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), another chance to defend himself against terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to November 7, marking the fourth time Kanu has been allowed to respond to the charges. The IPOB leader, however, continues to insist that the terrorism charges against him are invalid and has refused to open his defence. Kanu faces a seven-count terrorism-related charge. The prosecution concluded its case on June 19, 2025, after calling five witnesses. Kanu initially filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed on September 26, ruling that a prima facie case had been established. At Wednesday’s hearing, Kanu again argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he is being tried had been repealed. He told the court, “The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that.” Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to “keep his gunpowder dry” and prepare his defence, but Kanu said he needed to consult with his legal team—Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu—before proceeding. The judge, citing the interest of justice, granted another adjournment, advising Kanu to seek guidance from lawyers experienced in criminal law. Earlier, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, had asked the court to compel Kanu to open his defence or forfeit the right to do so, but the judge said he was willing to allow Kanu one more opportunity to reconsider.

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Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Deadline Of November 5 To Defend Or Waive Rights In Terrorism Trial

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has ordered Biafra separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu to either present his defence against terrorism charges or formally waive his right to do so by November 5. The judge advised Kanu to consult with lawyers skilled in criminal law or appoint legal counsel to handle his case. Kanu, who appeared in court representing himself on Tuesday, has repeatedly refused to enter a defence, insisting that no valid charge exists against him. He told the court he would not return to detention unless the charges were clearly presented, maintaining that his custody by the Department of State Services (DSS) was illegal. He also accused the court of violating a Supreme Court ruling that condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya, demanding immediate discharge. Even after being reminded that the Supreme Court had remitted the case for a fresh trial, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charges were invalid, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution. He added that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed. “In Nigeria today, the Constitution is the supreme law. There is no provision for terrorism offences in the Constitution. Prosecuting me under a repealed law violates my fundamental rights. I will not return to detention unless a valid charge is shown to me,” Kanu said. After extensive arguments and Kanu’s refusal to defend the charges, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to November 5, giving him the choice to present his defence or waive his right. During the hearing, counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), challenged certain documents submitted by Kanu, claiming they were unsigned and lacked legal validity. The judge overruled the objection, stating that the documents were properly signed and supported by evidence of payment.

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Nnamdi Kanu’s Wife Reveals She Underwent Major Surgery

Uchechigeme Okwu-Kanu, wife of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has disclosed that she recently underwent major surgery. In a post shared on her verified Facebook page on Friday, Uchechi revealed that she is still in recovery but remains determined to continue advocating for her husband’s release. She described Nnamdi Kanu’s continued detention as “unjust and illegal,” adding that her health challenges would not stop her from speaking out. “While I am yet to recover from major surgery, I continue to rise in pain because there is work to be done. My husband, Nnamdi Kanu, remains unjustly and illegally detained, and silence is not an option,” she wrote. “This shows our spirits will not be broken. From Trafalgar Square to Downing Street, we carry the cry of freedom. Injustice to one is injustice to all. Join us tomorrow, 01.11.2025, at Trafalgar Square.” Kanu, who was rearrested in 2021 over his involvement in the Biafra separatist movement, remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Earlier this month, nationwide protests erupted, demanding his immediate release.

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Nnamdi Kanu Seeks Dismissal of All Charges, Calls for Immediate Release

The detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting the dismissal of all charges against him and his immediate release. Dated October 30, 2025, and titled “Motion on Notice and Written Address in Support,” Kanu argued that the current charges have no legal foundation, describing them as “a nullity ab initio for want of any extant legal foundation.” Representing himself, Kanu cited Sections 1(3), 6(6)(b), and 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, the Evidence Act 2011, and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 to support his application. He contended that the prosecution relies on repealed or non-existent laws, such as the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA), repealed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, and the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act 2013, repealed by the TPPA 2022. According to Kanu, using these outdated laws violates Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which bars trials for offences not defined under current law. Kanu also argued that the alleged offences were committed in Kenya, citing Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the TPPA 2022, which requires validation by a Kenyan court for acts committed abroad. He said the lack of such validation invalidates the court’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and breaches Article 7(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Citing precedents including FRN v. Kanu (SC/CR/1361/2022), Aoko v. Fagbemi (1961) 1 All NLR 400, and FRN v. Ifegwu (2003) 15 NWLR (Pt 842) 113, Kanu maintained that any law or judicial act inconsistent with the Constitution is void, and lower courts must take judicial notice of repealed laws. He urged the court to direct the prosecution to respond strictly on points of law within three days and requested a ruling on or before November 4, 2025. Kanu emphasized that his motion raises only constitutional and legal questions, making an affidavit unnecessary.

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Sowore, Ejimakor, Kanu’s Brother Released From Kuje Prison After Meeting Bail Conditions

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore, along with Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, has regained freedom from Kuje Prison after fulfilling their bail conditions. They were released alongside Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel, and other protesters who were arrested during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja. Sowore, who led the protest, was picked up by police at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to show support during Kanu’s trial. The group was later arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Kuje, which granted them bail last Friday. In a video shared by SaharaReporters on Monday, Sowore, Ejimakor, Prince Emmanuel, and the others were seen exiting Kuje Prison carrying their belongings and singing songs of freedom and solidarity.

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Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

Nnamdi Kanu Skips Defence In Terrorism Trial, Case Adjourned To November

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his plan to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences. At the last court sitting on October 24, the case had been adjourned to October 27 to allow Kanu to present his defence. He had initially indicated his intention to call witnesses to testify on his behalf. When proceedings resumed on Monday, Kanu informed the court that after reviewing the case file, he was convinced that no valid charges had been brought against him. He described the trial as “unlawful” and said there was no need to proceed with a defence. Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to submit a written statement formalizing his decision and to serve it on the prosecution. The judge also advised him to consult legal experts on the implications of foregoing witnesses. The trial has now been adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, reflecting Kanu’s stance that the evidence and charges presented to date do not establish a case against him.

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Tompolo Dismisses Alleged 21-Day Ultimatum To Federal Government Over Nnamdi Kanu

Tompolo Dismisses Alleged 21-Day Ultimatum To Federal Government Over Nnamdi Kanu

The Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, has dismissed reports alleging that he gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. In a statement issued by his media consultant, Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo described the viral claim as false, mischievous, and an attempt by detractors to tarnish his reputation. “We wish to state clearly that High Chief Government Ekpemupolo did not author or approve the said publication. It is the handiwork of mischief-makers determined to discredit him because of his uncompromising fight against illegal crude oil activities in the Niger Delta. Their efforts will continue to fail, as Tompolo remains committed to ending oil theft and pipeline vandalism,” the statement read. Tompolo reaffirmed his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and expressed full support for the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also reiterated his endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, emphasizing his confidence in the government’s developmental drive. The statement urged the Federal Government, the media, and the public to disregard the fabricated report, stressing that it does not represent Tompolo’s position or any official statement from his office.

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Wike Says He Will Only Testify In Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial If Officially Subpoenaed

Wike Says He Will Only Testify In Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial If Officially Subpoenaed

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he will only appear as a witness in the trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu if he is officially subpoenaed by the court. Speaking during his monthly media briefing on Friday, Wike addressed reports that Kanu had listed him among 23 planned witnesses, which also include former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd) and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd). Wike clarified that he did not volunteer to be a witness and has not received any legal documents or formal court summons. He emphasised that one cannot assume the role of a witness simply based on media reports. “If you see Nnamdi Kanu, ask him why he listed me. I did not go to him to say I want to be a witness. You don’t become a witness by reading a newspaper. Nobody has served me process; nobody has subpoenaed me. “So, if I am served and subpoenaed to give evidence, I will obey the court and appear,” Wike said, stressing the importance of following proper legal procedure.

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