The leader of the Biafra nation agitators, Nnamdi Kanu, has once again pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government. His fresh arraignment took place on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho, under heavy security provided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Dressed in his signature white sportswear, Kanu listened as the seven-count charges were read out in court. He denied allegations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station to propagate pro-Biafra messages.
Federal government counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court of his readiness to proceed with the prosecution, emphasizing the Supreme Court’s directive for a fresh trial. He requested an adjournment to allow him to assemble witnesses and applied for an accelerated hearing— a request the court granted without objection from Kanu’s defense team, led by Kanu Agabi, SAN.
Justice Omotosho subsequently scheduled the trial to commence on April 29, with further hearings on May 2 and 6, 2025.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since his controversial extradition from Kenya in June 2021. However, his legal battle took a new turn after he and his defense team requested a transfer of the case, citing concerns over bias.
Following their petition, Justice Binta Nyako, who had been presiding over the case, officially withdrew on September 24, 2024, stating that she could not continue with a trial where the defendant lacked confidence in the court. The case was then reassigned by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to Justice Omotosho through a letter dated March 4, 2025.
This reassignment follows a history of Kanu rejecting previous judges, including Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who was later elevated to the Court of Appeal, and Justice Tsoho before his appointment as Chief Judge.
Unlike in past proceedings, Kanu remained composed throughout the re-arraignment, signaling a shift in approach as he prepares for the next phase of his legal battle.
With the stage set for a full trial, all eyes remain on the courtroom as one of Nigeria’s most controversial legal cases continues to unfold.
