Tension Rises As Court Prepares Ruling In Kanu Trial

Security agencies have tightened operations across the South-East as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to deliver judgment today in the long-running terrorism case involving Nnamdi Kanu.

The IPOB leader, who has spent more than three years in the custody of the Department of State Services, is waiting for a ruling that could shape a legal fight that has stretched for nearly ten years.

The judgment comes after a hearing earlier in November where the trial judge set today’s date, noting that Kanu did not open his defence within the period given to him. Kanu had filed a motion asking the court to throw out the charges, insisting that the repealed Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act made the case unlawful. He also urged the court to declare the proceedings void and order his release.

The judge disagreed, stating that Kanu failed to use the opportunity offered to him and that no objections would be considered at this stage. This ruling added another chapter to a legal journey marked by delays, appeals, and shifting decisions. In 2022, the Court of Appeal freed him after ruling that his transfer from Kenya breached international law, but the Supreme Court later overturned that decision, returning the matter to the trial court.

His detention has continued to draw attention at home and abroad. Several groups and leaders from the South-East say releasing him would calm rising tensions in the region. Kanu has already filed a fresh appeal seeking to stop today’s judgment, but the appellate court has not set a hearing date or issued any orders.

In Abia State, police authorities report that security has been reinforced ahead of the ruling. The state command said patrols have been expanded and officers are working with other agencies to keep the peace. Security officials also noted that Monday patrol routines remain active and they are not expecting unrest regardless of the court’s decision.

Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a direct criminal complaint against two DSS witnesses who testified in his case. He accused them of giving false evidence during the trial, claiming their statements contradicted earlier records and affidavits. The complaint, filed before a magistrate court in Abuja, names the two operatives, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the DSS Director General.

With the ruling expected today, the region remains on edge as many watch how the court’s decision will influence one of Nigeria’s most sensitive and closely followed cases.