KANU TRIAL TAKES NEW TWIST AS COURT SETS NOVEMBER 20 FOR JUDGEMENT

By Ademola Adekusibe.
November 7, 2025.

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

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allotted to him by the court.

The judge noted that the IPOB leader had been given ample opportunity to present his case but chose not to, thereby waiving his right to self-defence. He added that Kanu could not claim to have been denied fair hearing after the court had granted him sufficient time to do so.

The court had earlier directed Kanu to begin his defence after the prosecution, led by the Federal Government, closed its case against him on charges bordering on terrorism, incitement, and membership of an unlawful organisation.

Kanu, who has been in custody since his re-arrest in 2021, is facing multiple counts related to his alleged activities as leader of IPOB.

The matter has now been adjourned to November 20 for judgment.