Court Fixes November 20 for Judgment in Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial
By Erewunmi Peace
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has scheduled Thursday, November 20, 2025, for the delivery of judgment in the terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Presiding Judge James Omotosho announced the date after concluding that Kanu had forfeited his right to open his defence, having failed to act within the timeframe allocated by the court.
Kanu, who holds British and Nigerian citizenship, has been on trial for alleged offences under the terrorism law, arising from his leadership of the IPOB separatist movement. He maintains his innocence, and has argued that the charges against him are invalid because the law under which he is charged has been repealed.
The court’s decision follows repeated adjournments and legal motions. On the latest occasion, the court granted Kanu an opportunity to open his defence but held that his failure to do so meant he had effectively waived the constitutional right to a defence.
As the November 20 date approaches, attention will turn to the written judgment and the implications for the case, which has drawn wide national and international interest given its political and legal ramifications.
