The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to stop further proceedings in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
In his application, Kanu asked the appellate court to suspend the case until his appeal against the high court’s rulings is heard and determined. He argued that the trial court failed to address key jurisdictional issues he raised before setting a date for judgment on November 20, 2025.
Kanu maintained that the Federal High Court had ignored his challenge to the validity of the charges and its authority to hear the case. He also accused the court of refusing to consider his no-case submission and preventing him from calling defence witnesses. According to him, despite filing a list of witnesses, the court declined to allow them to testify, ruling that all objections would be addressed at the point of judgment.
The IPOB leader warned that allowing the trial to continue without resolving his appeal could lead to an unfair conviction and violate his right to a proper defence. He said that proceeding with the case would render his appeal meaningless and deny him justice.
Kanu further explained that halting the trial would not harm either party, noting that the case had been ongoing since 2015 but only resumed in 2025 under the current judge. He urged the appellate court to allow the matter to be heard fully before any final decision is made.
Justice Omotosho had earlier fixed November 20 for judgment after Kanu failed to present his defence within the period allotted by the court. The judge stated that the defendant had been given enough time to defend himself and could not claim that his right to a fair hearing was denied.
The appeal now before the higher court seeks to determine whether the Federal High Court can proceed with the case or must wait for the outcome of Kanu’s challenge.