Court sets November 20 for judgment as Nnamdi Kanu challenges terrorism charges

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the seven-count terrorism case filed by the Federal Government against the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice James Omotosho scheduled the date on Friday after Kanu, who is now representing himself following the disengagement of his legal team, failed to open his defence within the six days allotted by the court.

Rather than proceed with his defence, Kanu filed a motion challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court to try him. He argued that his prosecution was based on a law that no longer exists, insisting that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, under which he was charged, has since been repealed.

Earlier in the day, the court briefly stood down proceedings for an hour to enable Kanu to file and depose to an affidavit in his defence after he complained that officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) had denied him the opportunity to do so.

Kanu said he had a process ready for filing but was not allowed to submit it for three days. He told the court that he had the process for his defence and sought permission to file it in open court.

Responding, DSS counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, attributed the delay to logistical protocols and court-ordered movement procedures. He explained that Kanu’s former lawyers, now acting as consultants, were required to make formal requests for his movement to file documents. Awomolo added that the issue could have been resolved through direct contact with the DSS Legal Department.

Kanu, however, disputed the explanation, insisting that he had suggested alternatives, including bringing the court stamp to him, which the DSS refused.

In a swift ruling, Justice Omotosho directed court registry officers and the commissioner for oaths to bring the court stamp into the courtroom so Kanu could file his documents immediately. The judge also authorized court officials to visit the DSS facility with the court stamp whenever Kanu needs to depose to any document.

With the IPOB leader declining to open his defence, the court will now deliver judgment on both the terrorism charges and Kanu’s motion challenging jurisdiction on November 20.