The Federal High Court in Abuja will deliver judgment on Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism case on November 20.
Justice Omotosho fixed the date after Kanu refused to open his defence and challenged the charges.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 20 for judgment in the terrorism case involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after Kanu declined to present his defence and instead filed a motion questioning the validity of the charges against him.
The IPOB leader, who opted to represent himself after dismissing his legal team, argued in his new motion that his trial was unlawful. He claimed the Federal Government based its case on a law that no longer exists, insisting that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act cited in the charges had been repealed.
The judge noted that Kanu had been given six days to open his defence but failed to do so. He said the court would move ahead with its decision since the defendant had repeatedly refused to defend the case. Justice Omotosho had earlier warned that if Kanu failed to take advantage of the time granted to him, the court would proceed without his input.
By choosing to file a motion instead of defending the allegations, the court considered that Kanu had waived his right to a formal defence.
The case, which has drawn wide public and political attention, has reached a decisive stage. The ruling expected on November 20 will determine the outcome of the long-standing legal battle between Kanu and the Federal Government.
