The long-running legal battle between the Federal Government and the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to reach a crucial point today as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers judgment on several applications before it.
Justice James Omotosho will rule on Kanu’s fresh challenge to the competence of the terrorism-related charges filed against him, as well as his request for release based on alleged unlawful detention and violations of his fundamental rights.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021 after his controversial return to Nigeria from Kenya, a process his lawyers still describe as “extraordinary rendition.” He is currently facing seven charges linked to alleged incitement, running an unlawful organisation, and threats to national security—claims he strongly denies.
Earlier, Justice Omotosho granted both sides multiple opportunities to present their cases. The prosecution called five witnesses and tendered exhibits before closing its case on June 19, 2025. Kanu was then ordered to open his defence but did not do so within the six days allocated by the court.
Instead, he filed a new motion arguing that the terrorism law under which he was charged had been repealed, rendering the charges invalid. He also asked the court to strike out the case entirely and order his immediate release.
However, the judge maintained that Kanu had been given a fair chance to defend himself and could not claim otherwise after refusing to use the opportunity. He ruled that the IPOB leader had effectively waived his right to present a defence, prompting the court to fix today as judgment day.
This case has travelled through multiple courts since 2015, with numerous adjournments, appeals, and interventions. Notably, in October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu and ordered his release, but the Supreme Court later reversed that decision and sent the matter back to the trial court.
As the nation awaits the decision, security has been tightened around the Federal High Court. Supporters, journalists, and observers are gathered in expectation of what has been described as one of Nigeria’s most sensitive political trials.
Security Tightened in Abia and Other States
In Abia State—Kanu’s home—police authorities say the environment remains calm but assured residents that additional security measures have been deployed in anticipation of possible reactions to the verdict. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that the command is working with other security agencies to maintain peace.
Similar caution is being observed in other South-East states, although police officials declined to speculate on the judgment outcome.
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Kanu Files Complaint Against DSS Witnesses
In a separate development, Kanu has filed a criminal complaint before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja against two DSS witnesses who testified during his trial. He claims the witnesses gave false evidence during proceedings related to statements obtained from him in 2015 and 2021.
The complaint cites multiple legal provisions on perjury and alleges contradictions between their testimonies and existing affidavits, as well as court records.
Kanu argues that the witnesses attempted to conceal the true chain of custody of his statements, noting discrepancies in their claims about prior interactions with him.
