Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, November 20, moved to halt the judgment scheduled in the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that the court lacks the jurisdiction to hear the case.
The court had earlier fixed November 7 for judgment. However, when proceedings resumed, trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, disclosed that Kanu had filed multiple applications shortly after the last adjournment.
All the motions were identified by Kanu and subsequently consolidated by the court, which permitted him to argue them.
In one of the motions filed on November 12, Kanu asked the court to refer what he described as “certain substantial issues arising from the trial” to the Court of Appeal for determination. He also sought an order staying further proceedings pending the appellate court’s decision.
Kanu maintained that the trial court lacked jurisdiction from the outset, arguing that the charges against him were predicated on a “non-existing law.” He pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously held that the offence contained in count seven of the charge does not exist under Nigerian law.
The IPOB leader further submitted that the prosecution’s evidence had been “sufficiently demolished,” adding that he had been denied fair hearing during the proceedings. He faulted the court for allegedly waiving his right to file a written address before fixing the matter for judgment.
