Alleged Terrorism: Kanu Files Fresh Motion To Stop Judgement

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has approached a Federal High Court in Abuja to stop its plans to deliver judgment in the terrorism case brought against him by the federal government.

Kanu was dragged before the court over an allegation of terrorism in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

In the charge, the FG accused him. He led a separatist movement seeking the secession of the South-East, parts of the South-South, and some communities in Kogi and Benue states from Nigeria.

He was also accused of inciting violence and killings through broadcasts allegedly transmitted across the country, as well as illegally importing a radio transmitter.

Kanu pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The FG had closed its case against him, but Kanu refused to open his defence in the case.

At the last sitting, after Kanu failed to open his defence despite being granted six days to do so, Justice James Omotosho proceeded to fix a date for judgment, having given him multiple opportunities to do so.

In a fresh motion filed on November 10 and personally signed by him, Kanu requested that the court suspend the November 20 date set for judgment in his trial for terrorism.

He argued that his prosecution under the now-repealed Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013 contravenes Sections 1(3), 36(1)–(12), and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as Articles 7 and 26 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.