After months of resistance, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has finally complied with a Federal High Court order to open his defence in the terrorism trial against him. On Friday, in a session presided over by Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu began filing his defence documents directly inside the courtroom, marking a significant development in a trial that has persisted since 2015.
The court had previously given Kanu multiple chances to open his defence, the latest being a last-chance order issued on Wednesday. Kanu had consistently refused, maintaining that he had “no case to answer” and questioning the validity of the charges against him. However, under the judge’s directive, the court registry was temporarily relocated to the courtroom to facilitate the uninterrupted filing of his defence, indicating the court’s commitment to ensuring procedural fairness and adherence to due process.
Federal Government counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Adegboyega Awomolo, confirmed readiness to receive and respond to Kanu’s defence submissions once completed. The judge even adjourned proceedings temporarily to allow Kanu sufficient time to complete his filings without disruption.
The charges against Kanu are primarily terrorism-related, arising from allegations linked to his secessionist campaign for the independence of Nigeria’s Igbo-dominated southeastern region as Biafra. The government has charged him with seven counts, which stem from activities the prosecution claims constitute violent attempts to destabilize the nation.
Kanu, a dual Nigerian and British citizen, has maintained his innocence throughout, arguing that the charges are invalid, particularly contending that they were brought under a repealed terrorism law. He previously filed a no-case submission asserting that the prosecution failed to lead credible evidence warranting a defence.
The prosecution closed its case in June after presenting five witnesses. Despite this, Kanu had held back from officially opening his defence, insisting on clarity about the specific terrorism law he was alleged to have breached. Justice Omotosho, addressing Kanu during court proceedings, reminded him to keep his “gun powder dry” for his defence, emphasizing the necessity to engage with the trial process.
This event is pivotal in a trial that has polarized public opinion and attracted international attention, given the complexities surrounding issues of national security, human rights, and the controversial approach to handling secessionist agitations in Nigeria.The court further scheduled the judgement date for November 20th, 2025, signaling the nearing culmination of a protracted legal battle.
