Femi Oke
Yesterday marks a significance in the trial of Nazi Nnamdi Kanu for 10 years awaiting justice
The terrorism and other serious offences trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (MNK), the Self Proclaimed Supreme Leader of the Proscribed Terrorist Group IPOB has gripped the Nation for 10 years.
The Fed Govt has been accused severally of flouting court orders & delaying the trial needlessly.
Many notable TV presenters, political analysts, Senior Lawyer Servants Against Nigerians, masquerading as SAN & Civil Rights campaigners as well as perpetual anarchist protesters like Sowore have insisted repeatedly that the continued detention and trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is illegal & he must be released immediately.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself his legal team have used all manner of delay tactics to drag the case on to avoid prosecution.
From delaying the initial trail, breaking bail conditions, absconding, claiming court lacks jurisdiction, to Illegal rendition, to having the initial judge recused, no case submission, medical grounds, sacking his legal team severally, defending himself and re consulting with
For the Prosecution they arrested Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in October, 2015 pressed charges and remained in custody awaiting trial till April 2017 when he was granted bail.
Whilston bail Mazi Nnamdi Kanu abused his bail conditions severally continuing his Terrorist activities
The proscription of IPOB as a Terrorist group on 20th Sept 2017 culminated in confrontation betwwen IPOB & the military which was used as a ruse to effect Mazi Nnamdi Kanu's escape
Following his failure to attend the court for resumption of his trial the court revoked his bail in Mar 2019 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu escaped to UK and travelled to several countries continuing his terrorism, inciting violence, armed struggle and destruction of livelihoods and properties through numerous public broadcasts on his online Biafra Radio and raised funds for his Terrorist activities.
On June 2021 Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in Kenya & returned to Nigeria by extraordinary rendition.
The Federal High Court Abuja ordered Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remand in DSS custody in July 2021
Following application to; a court of coordinate jurisdiction, Abia State High Court it ruled June 2022 his 2017 arrest and subsequent rendition were unlawful and a breach of his fundamental human rights, awarding him N1 billion in damages; the trial, however, continued.
FGN appealed the ruling and on Oct 2022 the Court of Appeal in Abuja discharged and acquitted Kanu of all terrorism charges, citing the illegality of his rendition.
The FGN appealed to the Supreme Court of Nigeria which overturned the Appeal Court's ruling in Dec 2023, reinstating the terrorism charges and ordering Kanu to face trial at the Federal High Court.
2025: Kanu's defence requested Justice Nyako recuse herself, due to lack of confidence in her impartiality another delay tactic. The case was subsequently reassigned.
On March 21 2025 : Kanu was re-arraigned on a seven-count amended terrorism charge and pleaded not guilty, with the trial starting afresh under Justice Omotosho.
Since then Justice Omotosho has ensured the case progresses rapidly, in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015
The federal government closed its case after presenting five witnesses on June 29 2025
On 26 Sept 2025 Kanu's "no-case submission", was dismissed & ordered to open his defence.
October/November 2025: MNK dismissed his lawyers and opted for self defence. Opening his defence, listing 23 witnesses, including high-profile government officials
He then said he will not be giving any defence as he has no case there is no valid charge etc.
The case has been adjourned severally by Justice Omotosho to give the Kanu the defendant every opportunity to mount a credible defence considering the gravity of offences & the potential grave consequences should judgement be entered without any defence.
In another about turn Kanu latently agreed to consult his lawyers, we shall see what happens when the case resumes today 7 November, 2025 as he will be expected to open his defence today
After his appearance at the court yesterday, the court Stand Down proceedings to allow him depose to affidavit
