The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, to deliver judgment in the ongoing terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence within the period granted by the court.
The court had earlier given him six days to present his case but he did not utilise the opportunity.
Judge Rules on Fair Hearing
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that since Kanu refused to take advantage of the time allotted for his defence, he could not claim to have been denied a fair hearing.
The judge stressed that the constitutional right to a fair trial was dependent on a defendant’s willingness to participate in the judicial process.
Kanu Challenges Validity of Charges
Meanwhile, during Friday’s proceedings, Nnamdi Kanu filed a motion contesting the legitimacy of his trial.
He argued that terrorism was no longer recognised as an offence in Nigeria, claiming that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he was charged, had been repealed.
According to Kanu, the repeal rendered the charges against him invalid, insisting that there was no lawful basis for his continued prosecution.
He urged the court to dismiss the case and order his immediate release.
The court’s final judgment on November 20 is expected to determine whether Kanu will be freed or continue facing trial under the current legal framework.