By DAY0 ADESULU
IPOB Leader Challenges Jurisdiction, Seeks Stay of Proceedings
Tension rose in Abuja on Thursday as the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, made a dramatic move to stop the Federal High Court from delivering judgement in the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
The court had earlier fixed November 7 for judgement, a date many supporters believed would finally bring clarity to Kanu’s long-running trial. Instead, the case took a new turn when the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, confirmed that Kanu had filed multiple motions shortly after the adjournment.
Court Consolidates Fresh Motions
When proceedings resumed, the IPOB leader personally identified each motion. Justice Omotosho ordered that all applications be consolidated and allowed Kanu to argue them in open court.
This development shifted the day’s focus away from the awaited judgement and toward the latest legal objections introduced by Kanu, who has been representing himself.
Kanu Seeks Referral to Appeal Court
In his first motion, filed on November 12, Kanu asked the court to refer what he described as “substantial issues” arising from the trial to the Court of Appeal. He argued that several points raised in the course of the proceedings required a higher court’s interpretation before any judgement could be considered valid.
He also asked for an immediate halt to further proceedings pending the appellate court’s determination, insisting that continuing with the trial would amount to a miscarriage of justice.
According to Kanu, the Federal High Court has lacked jurisdiction “from the very beginning,” claiming that the terrorism charge against him is anchored on a law that he said no longer exists. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously observed that the offence listed in count seven of the charge is not recognized under Nigerian law.
Claims of Fair Hearing Violation
Beyond the issue of jurisdiction, Kanu argued that the prosecution’s evidence had been “sufficiently demolished” during cross-examination. He added that he was denied fair hearing when the court allegedly waived his right to file a written address before fixing the case for judgement.
The IPOB leader insisted that the court’s decision to move forward without his final written submissions violated his constitutional rights and was enough to nullify the entire process.
Fresh Bail Application Filed
In his second motion, Kanu asked the court to grant him bail on liberal terms while the case continues. He stressed that his prolonged detention violates constitutional guarantees, especially given his claim that the charge lacks legal foundation.
Kanu maintained that he is prepared to face the court at every sitting but needs access to proper medical care and an environment that respects due process.
Prosecution Rejects Motions, Pushes for Judgement
Responding to the submissions, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to dismiss all applications. He argued that the motions were attempts to delay the judgement and frustrate the trial.
Awomolo insisted that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence and that the court should proceed with delivering its decision without further delays.
Broader Context of the Case
The latest twist in the trial comes amid heightened national attention on the handling of high-profile security cases. Over the past two years, Kanu’s detention and several court appearances have sparked demonstrations, legal debates, and political commentary across the country.
His supporters argue that he is being persecuted for advocating self-determination, while the Federal Government insists that he must face justice over allegations of terrorism, incitement, and actions that threaten national security.
What Happens Next?
With the new motions now argued, the court is expected to issue fresh directives on whether it will rule on the applications first or proceed to deliver the long-awaited judgement. The decision could reshape the trajectory of a case that has defined one of Nigeria’s most contentious political and legal battles.
As proceedings continue, the central issue remains the same: whether the court has the jurisdiction to try Kanu and whether his detention aligns with constitutional standards.
For now, the next steps rest squarely with Justice Omotosho, whose ruling will determine whether the trial moves forward or shifts to the Court of Appeal.
#NnamdiKanu #IPOB #FederalHighCourt #NigeriaNews #KanuTrial #JudiciaryNG #BiafraIssue #RuleOfLaw #AbujaUpdates
