Justice James Omotosho announced the date on Friday after ruling that Kanu had waived his right to defence by refusing to enter one, insisting that the charges against him were filed under a repealed law.
“The court has given the defendant every opportunity as required under Section 36 of the Constitution. I will not allow this to continue. It is based on this that I say the defendant has waived his right,” Justice Omotosho declared.
Earlier in the day, Kanu was allowed one hour to file a motion seeking to “expunge” his initial not-guilty plea, claiming it was obtained in violation of his constitutional rights. He argued that his trial was unlawful, insisting the charges were brought under a repealed terrorism law.
The judge, however, ruled that all pending motions, including those filed in late October and early November, would be decided alongside the judgment.
The Federal Government has been prosecuting Kanu since 2015 on seven terrorism-related charges linked to his separatist campaign for the independence of the South-East as Biafra. The case has had several delays, including Kanu’s disappearance from Nigeria in 2017 and his later extradition from Kenya.
Although the Court of Appeal initially struck out the charges in 2022, citing his “extraordinary rendition,” the Supreme Court later reversed the decision in 2023, ruling that the illegality of his arrest did not invalidate the court’s jurisdiction.
After multiple adjournments and failed attempts to open his defence, the court will now deliver its long-awaited judgment on November 20.
