Kanu Verdict Day: Court Rejects Delay Tactics, Proceeds to Judgment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has decisively moved towards delivering its verdict in the alleged terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, despite a barrage of last-minute legal challenges. In a tense and dramatic session today, Justice James Omotosho rejected a final push by the separatist leader to delay the proceedings, affirming that the long-running case must now reach a conclusion.

The courtroom drama began with Kanu himself challenging the court’s readiness for judgment, asserting that he had filed motions at the Court of Appeal and that the issues of jurisdiction were not yet fully joined. Justice Omotosho, however, maintained firm control, reminding all parties that established judicial procedures would be strictly adhered to and that there must be “decorum in court.”

The first major ruling of the day saw the judge dismiss a fresh bail application filed by Kanu’s team. This decision was based on a firm citation of Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which explicitly prohibits the granting of a stay of proceedings in criminal trials. The court’s rejection underscored its commitment to concluding the substantive matter without further stalling tactics.

Crucially, Justice Omotosho then addressed the series of consolidated legal motions that have consistently provided the defense with grounds for delay. These motions, which challenge the court’s jurisdiction and argue that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which Kanu is charged has been repealed, were bundled into the final judgment phase. The judge’s move to rule on these foundational issues today ensures that the verdict will not only address the alleged criminal acts but also the entire legal basis of the prosecution, which has been the subject of fierce debate for years.

The court reiterated that Kanu had previously been given a six-day window to open his defense after the prosecution closed its case but waived this right, insisting on a ruling on the preliminary challenges first. Justice Omotosho was explicit that, having exhausted the allocated time and chosen not to enter a defense, Kanu cannot now claim to have been denied his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing. This ruling addresses a key procedural maneuver that had drawn the proceedings out.

The immense national and political sensitivity of this case was recognized by the court’s approval for the live telecast of the proceedings. This measure ensured that the nation could witness the final, highly anticipated arguments and the judge’s decision in real-time.

With the dismissal of the bail application and the clear path set for the ruling on the consolidated challenges, the Federal High Court is now poised to deliver the verdict that will determine the immediate future of Nnamdi Kanu and have far-reaching consequences for the separatist movement and the stability of the South East region.