The Federal High Court in Abuja will today deliver judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s long-running terrorism case after ruling that he “waived his right to defence” by refusing to open his case.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is expected to know his fate today as the Federal High Court in Abuja delivers judgment in his terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho will rule on multiple applications, including Kanu’s argument that the terrorism law under which he is charged has been repealed and that the allegations against him “disclosed no offence known to law.”
Kanu, who has been held by the Department of State Services since June 2021 following what his lawyers call “extraordinary rendition,” also seeks the expunging of a “purported plea of not guilty” and his immediate release.
However, the judge faulted him for refusing to open his defence despite several adjournments, saying Kanu “has not demonstrated seriousness in the proceedings” and had thereby waived his right to be heard.
After years marked by delays, motions, and appeals, today’s ruling will determine whether the IPOB leader walks free or continues to face trial on terrorism-related charges.