ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Nigerian court will deliver its verdict Nov. 20 in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, after he declined to present a defense.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja announced the date after Kanu refused to call witnesses or submit evidence. Kanu argued that the charges against him were invalid, claiming the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he is being tried had been repealed.
The court rejected his motion and proceeded with the trial. Kanu had earlier dismissed his legal team and insisted he would not participate in the proceedings.
A spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Justice said the government welcomed the court’s decision and emphasized the importance of due process. “The charges are serious and rooted in national security concerns,” the official said.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong criticized the trial, saying it lacked transparency and fairness. Amnesty International Nigeria called on the court to ensure justice is served and warned the outcome could affect civil liberties.
Kanu’s supporters have renewed calls for his release, with hashtags like #FreeNnamdiKanu trending on social media. “He’s been held too long without resolution,” said Chika Okafor, a trader in Enugu.
A Western diplomat in Abuja said the case is being closely watched and urged Nigerian authorities to uphold legal standards.
Kanu has been in custody since 2021, when he was extradited under controversial circumstances. IPOB, which seeks independence for southeastern Nigeria, has been labeled a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.
Security forces remain on alert in the southeast ahead of the court’s ruling.
