The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 to deliver judgment in the terrorism case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Friday after Kanu, who is now representing himself, failed to open his defence within the six days given by the court.
Instead, he filed a new motion challenging both the competence of the charge and the jurisdiction of the court to try him.
The Federal Government had filed a seven-count terrorism charge against Kanu under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.
But the IPOB leader told the court that the law no longer exists. “This prosecution is based on a non-existent law,” he declared, insisting that the Act had been repealed.
He lashed out, accusing the Judge of having no idea what justice is.
“You don’t know what justice means. You have no idea what justice means,” Kanu said.
“Useless Black African people. You don’t know the meaning of justice,” he later added.
Kanu accused the judge of perverting justice by ignoring the constitution.
He demanded to see the “written law” behind the court’s actions and called the proceedings “nonsense.”
“Your constitution says you cannot try anybody unless the law is written. Show me the written law,” he demanded.
He continued: “You think Britain can ask you to jail me and you’ll jail me. You’re dreaming.”
Courtroom Drama as Kanu Questions Legal Basis of His Trial
Friday’s proceedings were tense. The court initially stood down the matter for an hour after Kanu indicated he wanted to file his defence.
After the brief recess, Kanu filed his motion, forcing the court to confront a new question — under what law is the IPOB leader being tried?
At first, Justice Omotosho appeared reluctant to entertain the motion. But Kanu pressed on, demanding that the court specify the legal foundation for his prosecution.
“Tell me the law under which you are trying me,” he blurted out in the open court.
In a dramatic turn, the judge directed him to read the charges aloud in open court. When he did, it became clear that the charges referred to sections of a law that, according to Kanu, had already been repealed.
Witnesses described a heated exchange that left the courtroom momentarily silent. Kanu, visibly angry, accused the court of “pretending to uphold a dead law.”
The judge, appearing unsettled by the confrontation, adjourned the matter abruptly — fixing judgment for November 20.
Tension Mounts Ahead of Judgment
The case has drawn widespread attention, especially across the South-East, where Kanu commands deep loyalty.
The Federal Government insists the IPOB leader must face justice for alleged incitement and terrorism-related offences. But supporters argue that his detention and prosecution are politically motivated have rapidly deteriorated to a persecution.
If Kanu’s argument about the repealed law holds, the entire case could collapse. The decision on November 20 may therefore shape the next phase of one of Nigeria’s most controversial political trial of Nigeria’s recent history.
Already, publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, had alleged a high-level conspiracy to slam a life sentence or even punishment by death on Mr Kanu.
Reacting after the court session, Mr Kanu’s brother, Kanunta posted, accusing both Nigerian and British authorities of distortion of law.
“The Nigerian and British government are doomed in Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case. The British High Commissioner in Nigeria writes the script for Justice James Omotosho whilst he makes mockery of Nigerian Judiciary. A Trial Without Law is a Trial Without Legitimacy Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear under Section 36(12) — no person shall be tried for any criminal offence unless that offence and its penalty are defined in a written law. This is a non-derogable constitutional safeguard, a cornerstone of due process, and a measure of any civilised nation’s commitment to justice.“
As the court prepares for its ruling, do you think justice will be seen to serve the law — or the geopolitics surrounding the trial?
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
