The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja, to halt further proceedings in his trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a motion filed through his legal team, Kanu is praying the appellate court to stop Justice Omotosho from delivering judgment on November 20, 2025, pending the determination of his appeal challenging the trial court’s handling of the case.
Kanu based his application on the claim that, despite raising jurisdictional objections before the Federal High Court, the judge declined to rule on them before proceeding with trial.
He also alleged that the trial court failed to properly assess the prosecution’s evidence in light of cross-examination and ignored key issues raised in his no-case submission.
According to the IPOB leader, the trial court’s refusal to decide on its jurisdiction and the validity of the charges before closing his defence violated his right to a fair hearing.
Kanu stated in his affidavit: “The trial court, while refusing to rule on the objection, foreclosed my right to defend the heinous allegations levelled against me. The court has adjourned the matter for judgment on November 20, 2025.”
He argued that if the appellate court does not intervene, he risks being unlawfully convicted without knowing whether the charges are valid or whether the trial court has proper jurisdiction.
Kanu added that halting proceedings would not prejudice either party, stressing that his case — which began in 2015 — has already suffered repeated delays.
He urged the Court of Appeal to grant the application “in the interest of justice” and allow his appeal to be heard on its merits.
Justice Omotosho had earlier fixed November 20 for judgment after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six days allocated to him by the court.
The judge ruled that Kanu could not claim a denial of fair hearing, having failed to utilise the opportunity to present his defence.
