Gideon Maxwell
November 7, 2025
In a surprising turn of events, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has opted to file his defence in his long‑running terrorism trial, prompting the Federal High Court in Abuja to schedule a definitive judgment date.
Presided over by James Omotosho, the court ruled today that the verdict will be delivered on November 20, 2025.
The judgment date was fixed following Kanu’s decision to proceed with his defence after a period in which he declined to open his case, insisting the charges against him were invalid.
Kanu had initially refused to mount a defence, arguing the law under which he was charged was repealed.
The court repeatedly warned that failure to act might result in his defence being formally closed.
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The decision to fix November 20 for judgment signifies that the court intends to bring the matter to a close rather than allow indefinite delays.
The prosecution’s case, involving seven counts of terrorism offences linked to Kanu’s secessionist campaign in Nigeria’s south‑east, had been closed in June, following which the no‑case submission by Kanu was rejected.
This dramatic shift by Kanu, from refusing to defend to now engaging, could reflect a recalibration of his strategy.
The fixed judgment date increases pressure on all parties and signals an accelerated resolution of the matter.
Observers note that if Kanu’s defence is not fully executed by the date, the court may proceed without it, potentially limiting his ability to argue his case.
The outcome will likely have major implications for the separatist movement and for trust in tactical use of the legal system.
All eyes will be on November 20, when the court delivers its judgment.
The defence’s next steps, Kanu’s interaction with the court, and the official ruling will be closely scrutinised for both legal and political bearings.
