There is growing tension across the South-East and the entire country as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is set to know his fate today, Thursday, after spending years in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to Nigerian Newssphere, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, will deliver judgment on multiple applications filed by both Kanu and the Federal Government. Among them is Kanu’s latest move challenging the validity of the charges against him and demanding his release on grounds of unlawful detention and violations of his fundamental rights.
Kanu, who has repeatedly petitioned to halt today’s judgment, has been in DSS detention since June 2021 following his controversial re-arrest in Kenya. He currently faces seven terrorism-related charges, including allegations of incitement, operating an unlawful group and actions deemed threatening to national security—claims he has consistently denied.
Justice Omotosho had earlier fixed today’s date for judgment after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated to him. Although the prosecution has already closed its case, Kanu filed a fresh motion arguing that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he was charged has been repealed.
He asked the court to void his plea of “not guilty”, insisting it was obtained under deceptive circumstances and contrary to a Supreme Court decision. He also urged the court to strike out all proceedings in the matter, insisting the charges no longer exist in law.
Kanu is seeking an order dismissing the case entirely and directing his immediate release, arguing that the court lacks the jurisdiction to continue with a trial anchored on a repealed statute.
The heightened tension surrounding the case comes at a time when insecurity is intensifying across Nigeria. In recent days, gunmen kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State, while several worshippers were killed when bandits attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State.
As the nation awaits the court’s decision, security concerns and political anxieties continue to rise.
