The leader of the Biafra agitation movement, Nnamdi Kanu, pleaded not guilty to fresh terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government during his arraignment on Friday.
The proceedings took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho under tight security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS). As the seven-count charges were read, Kanu, dressed in his usual white sportswear, denied accusations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station to broadcast Biafra messages.
Following Kanu’s plea, the federal government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court of his readiness to proceed with the prosecution in accordance with a Supreme Court order for a fresh trial. He requested an adjournment to assemble witnesses and applied for an accelerated hearing, which the court granted. Consequently, Justice Omotosho scheduled the trial for April 29, May 2, and May 6, 2025.
Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in June 2021 and has remained in DSS custody under court orders, also agreed to an expedited trial.
The case was reassigned to Justice Omotosho following a request from Kanu and his legal team, who had accused the previous judge, Justice Binta Nyako, of bias. Justice Nyako withdrew from the case on September 24, 2024, and referred it to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, who reassigned it in a letter dated March 4, 2025.
Prior to Justice Nyako, the case had been handled by Justice Ahmed Mohammed—who was later elevated to the Court of Appeal—and Justice Tsoho before he became Chief Judge. Kanu had objected to both judges, leading to multiple reassignments.
Unlike in previous court sessions, Kanu remained composed throughout the proceedings.
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