IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu files a motion at the Court of Appeal in Abuja to halt the upcoming judgment in his trial, citing jurisdictional issues and the denial of his right to present a defense. The motion, filed on November 12, 2025, seeks to prevent the Federal High Court from delivering judgment until key legal questions are resolved.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu , the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB ), has initiated a new legal maneuver. He has filed a fresh motion before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to halt the impending judgment in his ongoing trial.
Kanu, who has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest, is specifically requesting the appellate court to prevent Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, from delivering a judgment scheduled for November 20, 2025. This latest move underscores the persistent legal battles surrounding Kanu's case and the complex jurisdictional questions at its heart. The motion, filed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, represents a direct attempt to preempt the lower court's proceedings. Kanu himself, acting in his own capacity, has petitioned the Court of Appeal for an order staying the proceedings of the trial court in Case No. FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015: Federal Republic of Nigeria VS. Nnamdi Kanu. This case is currently before Justice James K. Omotosho. The primary goal of the motion is to suspend the lower court's actions pending the hearing and determination of an appeal that is underway regarding certain critical decisions made in the case. These decisions include the court's stance on the "No Case Submission" made by the defense, its refusal to definitively address the issue of its own jurisdiction and the validity of the charges under which Kanu is being tried, and its alleged foreclosure of Kanu's right to present a defense by calling witnesses. The application highlights Kanu's contention that fundamental legal and constitutional principles have not been adequately addressed during the lower court proceedings.\According to his legal representative, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who confirmed the development, the motion was personally filed by Kanu at the Court of Appeal registry. Ejimakor emphasized that the central objective of the motion is to ensure that the lower court refrains from issuing a judgment until crucial jurisdictional issues are resolved. Kanu's legal team believes that the judgment should not proceed until these foundational legal matters, including the court's jurisdiction and the validity of the charges, have been thoroughly examined and definitively settled by the appellate court. The filing reflects a strategic effort to leverage the appellate process to challenge the lower court's handling of the case. Furthermore, Kanu has argued that despite raising significant constitutional concerns before the Federal High Court, the trial judge chose not to address these matters. He further asserted that the court "refused to evaluate the evidence of the prosecution witnesses vis-à-vis the cross-examination questions to determine whether the evidence was discredited under cross examination." This implies a contention that the court failed to properly assess the evidence presented by the prosecution and the effectiveness of the cross-examination in challenging that evidence. Kanu and his legal team believe that a comprehensive review of these aspects is essential for a fair trial. The defense team also maintains that the trial court did not adequately consider their arguments and submissions, further raising concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. The legal strategy now focuses on leveraging the Court of Appeal to address what are perceived as critical errors and omissions in the lower court's handling of the case.\Adding another layer of complexity, Kanu noted that although he had already filed a list of witnesses to testify on his behalf, the trial court refused to allow his defense to present these witnesses until the day the judgment was to be delivered. He warned that if the Court of Appeal does not grant his motion, he could potentially be "unlawfully convicted without being afforded the opportunity of knowing the validity of the counts, the jurisdiction of the trial court and offering defence on the merit." He emphasized that this could lead to a situation where he is convicted without a full and fair hearing, where his right to defend himself is denied, and where key legal issues remain unresolved. Kanu maintains that the lack of opportunity to fully present his defense constitutes a denial of his constitutional rights. Furthermore, Kanu also asserted that granting the motion would not adversely affect the prosecution. He emphasized that the case has been ongoing since 2015 and that a fair and just resolution is paramount. This statement implies that the lengthy nature of the case necessitates a careful and thorough legal process. The appeal for a stay of proceedings is seen as a way to ensure that all legal aspects are adequately considered before any final judgment is delivered. The ongoing legal battle underscores the complex political and social context surrounding Kanu's case and its significant impact on Nigeria's legal system and the rights of its citizens. The appeal is therefore positioned as a crucial step towards ensuring a fair trial and upholding the principles of justice
Nnamdi Kanu IPOB Court Of Appeal Trial Jurisdiction
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