Nnamdi Kanu Finally Files Defence in Long-Running Terrorism Trial
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally filed his defence before the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a major turning point in his protracted terrorism trial.
The move comes months after repeated delays and legal disputes that had stalled proceedings.
During Friday’s session, Justice James Omotosho directed the court registry to be temporarily relocated into the courtroom to enable Kanu to complete and submit his defence documents.
This decision followed complaints from Kanu and his legal team that officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) had obstructed his efforts to sign and depose to key affidavits required for his defence filing.
Kanu’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, informed the court that his client had faced persistent difficulties in preparing his documents while in custody. The judge subsequently stood down the proceedings to allow Kanu the opportunity to finalize and submit his defence papers under direct court supervision.
Following the completion of the process, Kanu’s legal team formally tendered the defence documents, effectively opening their side of the case.
Nnamdi Kanu has been standing trial on multiple counts of terrorism and other related offences filed by the Federal Government.
The charges centre on alleged incitement, secessionist broadcasts, and links to violent acts attributed to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), a group said to be associated with IPOB.
The prosecution had earlier closed its case after presenting five witnesses, including law enforcement officers and security experts.
Kanu, however, had filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish any criminal evidence linking him to terrorism or unlawful activities.
In a recent ruling, Justice Omotosho dismissed the no-case submission, holding that the defendant had questions to answer. The court ordered Kanu to open his defence — a directive that has now been fulfilled with Friday’s filing.
The IPOB leader’s trial has drawn both domestic and international attention, with rights groups, political figures, and observers closely following proceedings.
Many have described the case as a litmus test for Nigeria’s justice system and its handling of politically sensitive prosecutions.
Kanu, who holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship, was first arrested in 2015, later granted bail in 2017, and fled the country after a military raid on his home in Abia State.
He was re-arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June 2021 under controversial circumstances that have since sparked diplomatic debate.
With the defence now officially opened, Kanu’s legal team is expected to begin presenting witnesses and evidence to counter the prosecution’s claims. Justice Omotosho has indicated that the trial will proceed without further unnecessary delays and that all parties must adhere to the new schedule.
Legal analysts say the case could be approaching its decisive phase, with the defence’s arguments likely to shape the final outcome. For many observers, the development represents a crucial step toward concluding one of Nigeria’s most politically charged trials in recent years.
