The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed an application at the Court of Appeal seeking a stay of further proceedings in his terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Abuja Federal High Court.
In the motion, Kanu urged the appellate court to halt the delivery of judgment pending the determination of his appeal, which could affect the November 20 date initially scheduled for the trial’s verdict.
Kanu filed the motion on notice, citing Section 36(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees fair trial rights and due process, as the legal basis for his request.
The IPOB leader has consistently challenged the charges against him, arguing that he cannot be tried under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, which he claims has been repealed, raising questions about the legality of the proceedings.
Justice Omotosho had earlier fixed November 20 for the delivery of judgment in the case, which has attracted significant national attention due to its political and legal implications.
Legal analysts suggest that if the Court of Appeal grants the stay, the trial verdict will be postponed, potentially prolonging the legal battle and heightening public scrutiny of the proceedings.
Details of the court’s decision on Kanu’s application are expected in the coming days, with observers closely monitoring the case for its potential impact on Nigerian law, security, and the ongoing debate over secessionist movements.
