UPDATED: Judge Sets November 20 for Final Judgment as Nnamdi Kanu Insists Trial is Based on “Non-Existent” Law

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, set November 20, 2025 as the date for final judgment in the case involving the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, after he declined to enter his defence, insisting that he is being tried under what he described as a “non-existent law.”

Symfoni reports that the matter came up before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, where the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the case was scheduled for the defendant to open his defence. However, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court that he had been unable to file a motion for the past three days, alleging restrictions placed on him by security operatives.

Upon inquiry, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) explained that Kanu’s legal team was required to write formally to enable him to sign and submit documents. Symfoni gathered that the judge briefly stood down the proceedings and directed the registrar to assist Kanu in filing the motion.

In the motion, Kanu prayed the court to expunge his earlier “not guilty” plea from the record, alleging it was “deceptively obtained” in violation of his constitutional rights. He further asked the court to set aside all prior proceedings and orders, arguing that the trial commenced on an erroneous foundation and should not continue. He also demanded his immediate release, on the grounds that the charge against him is anchored on a law that, according to him, does not exist.

Awomolo, SAN, stated that he would not respond to the motion but would rely on the existing court records, as the exhibits referenced were already part of the case proceedings.

However, Justice Omotosho maintained that the court would not entertain any further preliminary motions until the stage of judgment, reiterating a standing order he had issued earlier. He then appealed to Kanu to proceed with opening his defence.

Kanu refused, insisting that until the court clearly states the specific legal provision under which he is being tried, he cannot and will not defend himself.

Following his refusal, the judge held that Kanu had been given sufficient grace, which had now expired. He ruled that if the defendant willfully declines to defend himself, the court will consider him to have waived his right to defence, and both sides will not file final addresses.

On that basis, Justice Omotosho fixed November 20, 2025 as the date for the final judgment in the long-running trial.

The courtroom atmosphere became tense at that point, Symfoni gathered, as Kanu raised his voice, demanding the court to state the exact law upon which the charge against him is founded.

The court adjourned after the announcement of the judgment date.