The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20, 2025, for judgment in the terrorism case involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence despite being granted six days to do so.

The judge held that Kanu’s failure to utilise the opportunity to defend himself meant he could not claim a denial of his constitutional right to a fair hearing.

Meanwhile, Kanu filed a fresh motion challenging the legality of his trial, arguing that terrorism is “no longer an offence in Nigeria” following the alleged repeal of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act. He contended that the charges against him were invalid and urged the court to dismiss them and order his release.

Kanu also sought to have his earlier plea of “not guilty” expunged, claiming it was obtained by deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling. He asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and strike out the charge for want of jurisdiction.

Responding, the prosecution’s counsel, Adegoboyega Awomolo (SAN), said there was no need for a counter-affidavit, as the prosecution relied on the court’s records. He accused Kanu of deliberately refusing to enter his defence and urged the court to proceed to judgment.

Justice Omotosho noted that the case, originally filed in 2015, had suffered multiple delays before being re-assigned to his court for accelerated hearing. He recalled that the prosecution had called five witnesses and tendered several exhibits before closing its case on June 19, 2025, after which Kanu’s no-case submission was dismissed.

The judge emphasized that the court had ensured a fair hearing, even appealing to Kanu “in God’s name” to present his defence. Citing Supreme Court precedents, he ruled that a defendant who refuses to use the opportunity to defend himself effectively waives that right.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the case until November 20 for judgment.