The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, November 20, sought to stop the Federal High Court in Abuja from delivering judgment on the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government. Kanu argued that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
The court had earlier fixed November 7 for judgment. However, when proceedings resumed, Justice James Omotosho noted that Kanu had filed several motions after the adjournment. Once Kanu confirmed the motions, the court consolidated them and allowed him to present his arguments.
In his first motion, filed on November 12, Kanu asked the court to refer what he described as “substantial issues arising from the trial” to the Court of Appeal. He also requested a stay of proceedings pending the appellate court’s decision.
Kanu maintained that the trial court has no jurisdiction to hear the case, insisting that the charge against him is based on a law that does not exist. He argued that the Supreme Court had already indicated that the offence listed in count 7 of the charge is not recognized by law.
He further claimed that the prosecution’s evidence had been “completely discredited” and raised concerns about the denial of his right to a fair hearing. Kanu said the court erred by waiving his right to file a written address before fixing the matter for judgment.
