Tense Wait in South-East as Kanu Awaits Verdict Today

Security has been reinforced across the South-East as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to deliver judgment today in the long-running case involving detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice James Omotosho is expected to rule on multiple applications filed by both sides, including Kanu’s challenge to the validity of the charges against him and his request for release on grounds of alleged unlawful detention and violation of his rights. Kanu has been held by the Department of State Services since June 2021, following his controversial return from Kenya. He faces seven terrorism-related charges, which he insists are baseless.

The judge fixed today’s decision after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated by the court, prompting him instead to file a fresh motion arguing that the terrorism law under which he is being tried has been repealed. He asked the court to strike out the charges, void all proceedings, and order his release. Justice Omotosho held that the defendant had been granted multiple opportunities to defend himself, noting that delays were largely caused by adjournments sought on his behalf and that the court could not compel him to present a defence. The prosecution had earlier called five witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case in June.

Kanu’s legal battles have stretched over a decade, marked by appeals, counter-applications and conflicting rulings. His trial paused briefly in 2022 when the Court of Appeal discharged him over the circumstances of his return from Kenya. That verdict was later reversed by the Supreme Court, sending the matter back to trial. His continued detention has drawn significant attention from rights groups, political leaders and international observers, many of whom argue that resolving his case could help ease tensions in the South-East. The Federal Government maintains he must stand trial.

With anticipation high, security has been tightened around the Abuja court complex, where journalists, supporters and observers continue to gather.

Ahead of the ruling, police authorities in Abia State—Kanu’s home state—say they have activated security measures to maintain stability. Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka said the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, had ordered statewide surveillance and collaboration with other security agencies to prevent unrest. She added that the state remained calm and that officers were already maintaining routine patrols. In Umuahia, however, there was no visible build-up of security around Kanu’s Afaraukwu home as of Wednesday. Enugu’s police spokesperson declined comment, saying a conviction cannot be presumed.

As the judgment approaches, Kanu has filed a separate criminal complaint before an Abuja magistrate court accusing two DSS witnesses of giving false testimony during earlier proceedings. The complaint, signed by him and dated November 13, lists two witnesses identified as TAA and BBB, as well as the Attorney-General of the Federation and the DSS Director General. He alleges the witnesses misled the court about their roles in his 2015 and 2021 interrogations, amounting to perjury under the Penal Code. He claims their testimony was intended to obscure the chain of custody of statements attributed to him.

The appellate court has yet to fix a date for hearing the fresh application Kanu filed to stop today’s judgment, leaving all eyes on the Federal High Court as it prepares to deliver a decision with implications for both his personal freedom and the region’s fragile security climate.