Olushola Omogbehin
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, will today know his fate in the prolonged legal battle with the Federal Government.
Already, the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu on all the offences in the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him.
According to Justice Omotosho, Kanu is a false defender of the people of the South-East whose action has led to bloodshed.
The court is expected to rule on a series of applications filed by both Kanu and the Federal Government, including a request by the IPOB leader challenging the competence of the charges against him and seeking his release on the grounds of alleged unlawful detention and infringement of his fundamental rights.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, following his controversial interception and return to Nigeria from Kenya in circumstances his lawyers describe as “extraordinary rendition”.
He is facing seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security—allegations he vehemently denies.
Justice Omotosho said the defendant had not shown seriousness in the proceedings, saying that he had personally appealed to Kanu “in God’s name” to present his defence and engage counsel.
The Judge who cited Supreme Court authorities, held that if a defendant fails to utilise the opportunity of a fair hearing, the court cannot compel him to enter his defence.
The judge ruled that it was on this basis that Kanu had waived his right to defence and proceeded to fix a date for judgment.
Therefore, today’s declaration is therefore pivotal, with implications not only for Kanu’s personal liberty but also for national stability and ongoing discussions around political reconciliation and security in the South-East.
Security has now been strengthened around the Federal High Court premises observers now await the outcome of a matter that has remained one of Nigeria’s most politically sensitive trials in recent years.
Kanu’s legal journey has been marked by numerous adjournments, court orders, appeals, and counter-applications.
