The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for judgment in the 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 after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days previously allotted by the court.
Nnamdi Kanu Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction
At Friday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself after dismissing his legal team, filed a motion challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court to try him.
The court had earlier stood down the matter for an hour to allow Kanu to present his defence. However, instead of proceeding to trial, he submitted a fresh motion arguing that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
Kanu further maintained that his ongoing prosecution was based on a non-existent law, urging the court to strike out the case entirely.
Background of the Kanu Court Case
The Federal Government is prosecuting Kanu on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, incitement, and alleged calls for the disintegration of Nigeria. He was first arrested in 2015, released on bail in 2017, and later rearrested in 2021 after fleeing the country.
Since then, his detention has sparked widespread debate and several court rulings, including a 2022 Appeal Court judgment that initially discharged him of all charges — a decision later stayed by the Supreme Court.
Justice Omotosho announced that judgment will be delivered on Wednesday, November 20, 2025, bringing to a head years of legal back-and-forth between the IPOB leader and the Nigerian government.
Observers say the ruling could have significant political and security implications, especially in the South-East region, where IPOB maintains strong influence.
