Nnamdi Kanu Asks Abuja Court to Defer November 20 Judgment, Challenges Court’s Jurisdiction Over Repealed Terrorism Law

The highly anticipated final verdict in the terrorism trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, faced a fresh hurdle today, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, as his legal team filed an urgent application asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to defer the scheduled November 20 judgment date.

Presiding over the case, Justice James Omotosho heard arguments on the motion, which demands that the court cannot proceed with a verdict without first ruling on a pending substantive motion filed by Kanu.

The core of Kanu’s latest legal argument is a fundamental challenge to the jurisdiction of the court and the legality of the charges themselves. Kanu insists that the charges on which he is being prosecuted are null and void because they are anchored on a section of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act that has since been repealed and replaced.

Delay Tactic or Legal Necessity?

Kanu’s counsel argued that it would be a violation of due process and a miscarriage of justice for the court to deliver a final judgment on a case that may have no valid legal basis. The motion requested a clear ruling on the jurisdictional challenge before the November 20 date.

However, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), vehemently opposed the motion, urging the court to dismiss it outright. Awomolo argued that the application was a calculated delay tactic aimed at stalling the conclusion of a trial that has dragged on for years. He reminded the court that Justice Omotosho had previously ruled that at this stage of the proceedings, only a final written address or defense would be entertained, not a fresh preliminary objection.

After hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Omotosho reserved a ruling on the application for the deferment of the judgment until Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The Judge, however, maintained his previous decision to foreclose Kanu’s right to defense, which was done after the IPOB leader repeatedly refused to testify or call witnesses, insisting there was no valid case against him.

The court’s decision tomorrow will determine whether the long-running trial will proceed to its final judgment on November 20 or be mired in another round of complex legal disputes over jurisdiction.