Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security operatives to forcibly remove detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom after the proceedings were repeatedly disrupted.

The dramatic scene unfolded moments after Kanu insisted that the court could not proceed with delivering judgment in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who raised his voice several times, demanded that the judge show him the section of the law that barred him from submitting a final written address. His outbursts halted the proceedings, prompting Justice Omotosho to stand down the matter while security agents escorted him out.

Before the disruption, Justice Omotosho had dismissed fresh applications filed by Kanu despite the case already being scheduled for judgment. According to the judge, the motions merely rehashed arguments previously raised and resolved in earlier rulings.

The court also rejected Kanu’s request to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which prohibits the stay of proceedings in criminal trials.

Additionally, Kanu’s bid for bail was turned down. Justice Omotosho, however, noted that some of the issues raised by the IPOB leader would be addressed during the final judgment.

The court has now commenced reading the judgment in the high-profile case.

The Federal High Court in Abuja will Today Thursday, November 20, deliver judgment in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), marking a decisive moment in a long-running legal battle that has sharply divided opinion across Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after ruling that Kanu had exhausted the six days allocated to him to open his defence. The judge noted that despite being given ample opportunity, Kanu declined to present a conventional defence to the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

The charges against Kanu relate largely to his broadcasts and activities as IPOB leader, which authorities say posed a threat to national security. Prosecutors insist his statements incited violence and undermined the sovereignty of Nigeria.

The case reached a turning point on June 19, 2025, when the prosecution closed its case after calling witnesses and tendering documentary evidence. Kanu subsequently filed a no-case submission, arguing that the government had failed to establish any offence against him. The court, however, dismissed the submission and ordered him to open his defence.

Rather than defend himself on the merits, Kanu has focused on contesting the legality and jurisdiction of the trial. He maintains that he cannot be tried under what he describes as an “invalid” or “repealed” terrorism law, insisting that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act relied upon by prosecutors is no longer operational.

He has also asked the court to expunge his earlier “not guilty” plea, claiming it was entered under conditions that violated his rights. In recent filings, Kanu alleged a broader conspiracy involving both local and foreign actors who, he claims, are determined to secure his conviction.

In a last-minute move, the IPOB leader filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to stop the High Court from delivering its judgment, on the grounds that his appeal against the dismissal of his no-case submission is still pending. Justice Omotosho, however, dismissed concerns about fairness and insisted that Kanu had been granted sufficient time but chose not to utilise it.

At the last adjourned sitting, the judge also waived the requirement for final written addresses, stating that the court would rely solely on arguments and materials already in the record.

Meanwhile A coalition of 44 serving members of the House of Representatives has written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to exercise his constitutional authority to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and initiate a broad political dialogue to address the security and socio-political challenges in the South-east.

The lawmakers, drawn from various political parties and representing constituencies across both the North and South, issued a two-page letter and resolution under the platform of “Concerned Federal Lawmakers.”

As the nation watches closely, Today’s decision will determine whether the IPOB leader regains his freedom or faces a fresh prison sentence that could keep him behind bars for years to come.

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President Bola Tinubu has postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, due to the recent surge in insecurity, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the attack on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President shelved the foreign trips to receive detailed security briefings from relevant agencies and top officials.

Tinubu, who was expected to depart Abuja for the 20th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg before proceeding to Angola for the 7th AU-EU Summit, opted to remain in the country following two major security incidents that sparked nationwide concern.

Tinubu Orders Deployment of More Security Personnel to Kwara

In response to a request from the Kwara State Government, President Tinubu has directed the urgent deployment of additional security operatives to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area after gunmen attacked worshippers at the Christ Apostolic Church on Monday.

He further mandated security agencies to track down the assailants and ensure the safety of residents in the troubled communities.

Awaiting Briefings on Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction

The President is also awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has been dispatched to Kebbi State on a sympathy visit following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Maga community in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.

Additionally, Tinubu awaits comprehensive updates from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) on both the Kebbi and Kwara incidents.

Security Agencies Directed to Intensify Rescue Efforts

Onanuga disclosed that the President reiterated his orders to security agencies to intensify operations and “do everything possible” to rescue the abducted schoolgirls and ensure their safe return.

“Disturbed by the security breaches in Kebbi State and Monday’s attack by bandits against worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, President Tinubu decided to suspend his departure,” the statement read.

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A night of worship turned into tragedy on Sunday after armed terrorists stormed a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing and abducting several worshippers during a service that was being streamed live.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers invaded the church mid-service and opened fire indiscriminately, sending members of the congregation scrambling for safety. The terrifying moment was captured on the church’s live camera, which recorded the chaos as gunmen advanced toward worshippers.

Residents of the community told journalists that multiple people were shot dead, while an unknown number were taken away by the assailants. The exact casualty figure remains unclear as security agencies have yet to release an official statement.

The incident has sparked widespread fear across Eruku and neighbouring towns, with many describing it as one of the most shocking attacks the area has witnessed in recent times. Community leaders say the attack highlights the growing insecurity in parts of Kwara and the increasing boldness of criminal groups targeting places of worship.

Local vigilantes and security operatives were reportedly mobilised shortly after the attack, but the gunmen had already fled with their captives.

The Kwara State Police Command is yet to issue an official response as of the time of filing this report.

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American rapper Onika Maraj-Petty, popularly known as Nicki Minaj, has called for urgent international action to stop what she described as increasing attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

Minaj made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking at a United Nations dialogue in New York, where she addressed reports of targeted violence against Christian communities. Her appearance followed an earlier announcement that she would join the session alongside U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz.

Speaking during the broadcast streamed on the official YouTube channel of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, Minaj condemned the rising assaults on religious groups, warning that the violence had reached “alarming levels.”

“Christians in Nigeria are being targeted, driven from their homes, and killed in far too many areas,” she said.

The Grammy-nominated artist highlighted the destruction of churches, displacement of families, and the growing fear among communities attacked because of their faith. She stressed that these incidents were not isolated to Nigeria alone but formed part of a disturbing global trend of religious persecution.

Minaj clarified that advocating for the protection of Christian minorities should not be viewed as taking sides, insisting that it is a humanitarian issue that requires unity rather than division. She described Nigeria as a country rich in diverse faith traditions and expressed her excitement about connecting with her Nigerian fan base the “Barbz.”

Addressing the broader attack on religious sites, Minaj said the destruction of any church, mosque, or sacred place should be a cause for global concern, adding that such violence undermines the core mission of the United Nations to uphold peace and security.

She also praised peacebuilders and interfaith leaders present at the event, commending their efforts to promote harmony and safeguard the rights of all believers.

“I hope it will encourage deepened solidarity for us to urgently work together to ensure every person can enjoy the right to believe, to worship, and to live in peace… Barbz,” she concluded.

Her comments come amid renewed attention on Nigeria’s religious conflict, following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent warning of possible military intervention against Islamic extremists in the country if attacks on Christians continue. Trump’s remarks accompanied his decision to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation the Nigerian government has rejected.

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