Court fixes November 20 for final verdict as Nnamdi Kanu refuses to defend himself

The Federal High Court in Abuja has announced November 20, 2025, as the date to deliver judgment in the ongoing terrorism trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice James Omotosho made the declaration on Friday after Kanu declined to open his defence within the period granted by the court.

Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu could not claim to have been denied a fair hearing since he chose not to present his defence.
He explained that the right to a fair trial depends on a defendant’s readiness to participate in court proceedings.

During the session, Kanu’s legal team filed a motion challenging the validity of the terrorism charges brought against him.

They argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, which formed the basis of his prosecution, had been repealed, rendering the charges null and void.

Kanu therefore asked the court to dismiss the case and order his immediate release, insisting that there is no legal foundation for his continued detention.