Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has petitioned the Court of Appeal in Abuja to suspend proceedings in his terrorism trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, currently presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
Court documents filed by Kanu show that he is seeking an order to prevent the trial court from delivering judgment on November 20, 2025, pending the outcome of his appeal against previous high court rulings in the case.
Kanu argued that the Federal High Court ignored jurisdictional questions he raised and failed to properly evaluate prosecution evidence against cross-examination questions, which he said undermined certain testimonies. He also challenged the court’s handling of his no-case submission, refusal to determine jurisdiction, the validity of the charges, and the barring of his defence witnesses.
Although Kanu submitted a list of defence witnesses, the court reportedly declined to allow their testimony, stating objections would only be addressed during judgment. Kanu claimed that this action denied him the opportunity to defend himself against serious allegations.
“The trial court, while refusing to rule on the objection, foreclosed the right to defend the heinous allegations levelled against me. The trial court has adjourned the matter for judgment on the 20th of November, 2025,” he said.
Kanu warned that if his application is not granted, he risks an unlawful conviction, which would prevent him from contesting the charges, challenging the court’s jurisdiction, and presenting a full defence. He stressed that granting a stay of proceedings would not prejudice either party, noting that the trial, which began in 2015, only resumed before the current court in 2025.
Justice Omotosho had earlier set November 20 as the date for judgment after Kanu did not open his defence within the six days allocated by the court. The judge maintained that Kanu could not claim denial of his right to a fair hearing, as he had the opportunity to present his defence.
