JUST IN: Court Sets Date to Deliver Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu Terrorism Trial After Failure to Open Defense

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the terrorism case instituted by the Federal Government against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The court arrived at the decision on Friday after Kanu declined to open his defense, despite several opportunities given to him to do so. Instead, he filed a motion challenging the validity of the charges, arguing that terrorism is no longer recognized as an offense under Nigerian law.

Kanu maintained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, which previously governed such offenses, had been repealed. He therefore insisted that there were no longer any valid charges pending against him.

Justice Omotosho, after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defense, announced that the court would deliver its judgment on November 20. The outcome is expected to be a key moment in the long-running legal and political saga involving Kanu and the Federal Government.