The long-running trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched legal battles, marked by dramatic twists, intense courtroom exchanges, and recurring questions over due process.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 on charges of treasonable felony and terrorism, but the case has since evolved through multiple legal and political phases.
In 2017, he fled Nigeria while on bail after a military operation at his residence during the controversial “Operation Python Dance” in the Southeast. Four years later, in June 2021, he was arrested in Kenya under disputed circumstances and extradited to Nigeria, a process his legal team described as an “extraordinary rendition.”
Moment Nnamdi sat in court, awaiting the commencement of the judgement on his case. pic.twitter.com/hCQBa3Msiy
— Channels Television (@channelstv) November 20, 2025
Following his return, prosecutors expanded the charges to 15 counts, including terrorism and incitement to violence. Kanu’s defense team has since challenged the legitimacy of the trial, citing alleged violations of international extradition law and constitutional procedures.
The Federal Government is being represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adegboyega Awomolo, while Kanu is representing himself in court.
Courtroom Proceedings: A Timeline of Events
10:20 a.m.: The judgment proceedings commence.
10:15 a.m.: Justice Omotosho begins reading the judgment.
10:14 a.m.: The judge announces that due to Kanu’s “aggressiveness and unruliness,” the ruling will be delivered in his absence.
10:11 a.m.: Justice Omotosho states, “I appealed to Kanu severally, but in his usual manner, he refused to comport himself. Nobody is above the law. If we allow people to act how they please, it will undermine the sanctity of the court.”
10:10 a.m.: The judge notes that although a defendant has the constitutional right to be present at trial, Kanu’s disruptive behavior is not new. “We have seen instances where the defendant beats his clients, shutting them up,” the judge remarked.
10:09 a.m.: Awomolo cites Section 266 (1A), stating that “it is in the interest of justice that the court should function according to the law.”
10:08 a.m.: Kanu, who had earlier been escorted out, is still not back in court.
10:07 a.m.: The judge returns, saying he has instructed Kanu to comport himself, adding that the judgment must proceed.
10:00 a.m.: Kanu refuses to hand over the microphone to the DSS as directed by the judge.
9:59 a.m.: The judge orders DSS operatives to remove Kanu from the courtroom following a heated exchange.
9:59 a.m.: Kanu challenges the court, asking it to “show where it is written that his final written address can be waived.”
9:58 a.m.: The judge warns him to maintain composure.
9:57 a.m.: Kanu insists he is entitled to file his final written address.
9:56 a.m.: Justice Omotosho reiterates that he will proceed to deliver his ruling.
9:52 a.m.: The judge says most issues raised by Kanu have already been addressed in earlier proceedings. “This court is bound by that order,” he notes. He adds that under Section 306 of the ACJA, issues related to a stay of proceedings will not be entertained.
9:49 a.m.: Kanu requests bail, citing “concurrent judgments of superior courts.”
9:42 a.m.: Kanu argues that he should not remain in detention over charges “that do not exist,” insisting he never jumped bail and that the charge sheet “does not display any existing written law.”
9:39 a.m.: Awomolo confirms he did not file a counter affidavit opposing bail, urging the court to dismiss Kanu’s application for lacking merit.
9:38 a.m.: Kanu’s bail motion, filed under Section 158 of the ACJA, seeks his release under “reasonable terms.”
9:34 a.m.: Kanu maintains that he has entered his defense, though he “did not call witnesses.”
9:33 a.m.: He references several motions filed between November 11 and 17, including a request for the Court of Appeal to determine constitutional issues arising from his trial, and a motion seeking to compel the prosecution to file its final written address.
9:27 a.m.: Kanu adopts his motions, stating that count seven “does not exist” and invalidates the entire trial.
Moment Kanu Insisted On Speaking Against Judge’s Directive During Trial#CTVTweets pic.twitter.com/6qP5juZ1fM
— Channels Television (@channelstv) November 20, 2025
9:26 a.m.: Justice Omotosho consolidates the motions for hearing.
9:20 a.m.: Kanu identifies his filed notices before the Court of Appeal.
9:14 a.m.: The session begins with appearances, as the judge emphasizes the need for decorum.
9:12 a.m.: Kanu interjects, declaring that “no judgment will hold” because he has filed multiple pending motions.
Background and Legal Context
The case continues to polarize Nigeria’s legal and political circles. Kanu’s supporters see him as a political prisoner, while the government insists he must face justice for allegedly inciting violence through IPOB’s separatist campaign.
The trial’s outcome could set a major precedent for how Nigeria handles high-profile cases involving allegations of political persecution, terrorism, and human rights violations.
