Security tightened across the South-East yesterday as the long-running trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, entered a decisive phase, with the Federal High Court in Abuja set to deliver a landmark ruling today.
Justice James Omotosho is expected to determine a host of applications filed by both the Federal Government and Kanu, who has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021 following his controversial return from Kenya. At the heart of today’s ruling are questions surrounding the validity of the terrorism charges against him, the legality of his detention, and the scope of his constitutionally protected rights.
Kanu, who faces seven terrorism-related counts ranging from alleged incitement to operating an unlawful organisation, insists he has committed no offence. He is urging the court to strike out the charges entirely, arguing that they stem from a repealed law and therefore lack legal foundation. His legal team is also pressing for his immediate release, contending that his continued detention amounts to a violation of judicial precedent and his fundamental rights.
Justice Omotosho had earlier noted that Kanu failed to utilise the six days allocated to him to open his defence, despite repeated adjournments granted at his request. The judge stressed that the court afforded him every opportunity to be heard, lamenting that the defendant abandoned his defence midway while raising fresh objections on issues the court had previously addressed.
The case, which began in 2015 and has traversed multiple courts, has become one of the most politically charged legal battles in Nigeria’s recent history. In 2022, the Court of Appeal ordered Kanu’s release after faulting the manner in which he was returned to the country, but the Supreme Court later set aside that ruling, clearing the path for his trial to resume.
With his trial often cited as a touchstone for justice, federal authority and the future of the South-East, today’s decision carries profound implications. Many regional leaders and civil society groups maintain that resolving Kanu’s case would help stabilise the region and calm tensions. The Federal Government, however, insists he must answer for the allegations against him.
Meanwhile, Kanu has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt today’s judgment, though no date has been set for hearing and no order has been issued in his favour.
South-East on Alert
Across the South-East, police commands have activated contingency plans to prevent unrest following the court’s decision. In Abia State, where Kanu hails from, the police high command has deployed personnel across strategic locations.
Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka said Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa had ordered comprehensive surveillance and joint operations with other security agencies to safeguard the state. She reaffirmed that Abia remained calm and that officers were “on ground 24/7” to protect lives and property.
According to her, the command has maintained routine Monday patrols as part of broader efforts to counter potential threats, adding that authorities do not expect any breakdown of order regardless of the court’s ruling.
As of last night, there was no notable security presence in Kanu’s Afaraukwu community in Umuahia, though residents remained on edge.
