The Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver judgment in the long-running terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho is expected to rule on several applications filed by both the defence and the Federal Government, including Kanu’s request to dismiss the charges against him and to secure his release.
Kanu, who has been in Department of State Services custody since June 2021 following his controversial return from Kenya, is standing trial on seven terrorism-related charges.
The allegations include incitement, operating an unlawful organisation and actions said to threaten national security. He has consistently denied all charges.
Ahead of today’s judgment, security has been reinforced across the South-East, particularly in Abia State, Kanu’s home state, where police authorities say they are prepared for any potential unrest.
Kanu recently filed an application claiming that the terrorism law under which he is being prosecuted was repealed and that the court no longer has jurisdiction. He asked the court to void all proceedings, expunge his plea, and order his release.
However, Justice Omotosho held earlier this month that Kanu failed to use the six days allocated for his defence after the prosecution closed its case. The judge ruled that the application would not be entertained at this stage and described Kanu’s refusal to open his defence as a waiver of his right to fair hearing.
The case, filed in 2015, has faced several delays, including adjournments sought by the defence to cross-examine prosecution witnesses. The judge noted that despite assurances that he would present his defence, Kanu shifted to arguing that the law had been repealed.
In 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu and ordered his release, citing illegal rendition from Kenya. The Federal Government appealed to the Supreme Court, which overturned the decision and returned the case to the High Court for trial.
The Abia State Police Command said on Wednesday that it had deployed officers across the state to ensure peace, regardless of the judgment outcome. Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka said the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, confirmed that Abia was calm but added that surveillance and joint operations with other security agencies had been intensified.
She said officers remain on 24-hour alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
In Enugu State, police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe questioned speculation about unrest, emphasising that no verdict has been delivered yet.
