Detail shortly…

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday verbally lashed out at Justice James Omotosho during proceedings in his high-profile terrorism trial.

Speaking in court, Kanu warned the judge, saying:
“God will punish you, now and forever.”

He went further to challenge the legitimacy of the court’s authority, declaring:

“Let it be on record; any judgment delivered in this court is rubbish. Where is the law?”

Kanu continued to question the legal basis for the trial, demanding that the judge identify the law underpinning the proceedings:

“Ask Omotosho, where is the law?”

The comments came amid rising tensions in the courtroom, with Kanu repeatedly asserting that the charges against him lacked legal validity.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered security agents to remove the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, from the courtroom as he insisted that judgment should not be delivered in the terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu repeatedly questioned the court, demanding to know where the law stated he was not entitled to file a written address before judgment.

In response, the court temporarily halted proceedings to allow security operatives to escort him out of the room.

After Kanu’s removal, Justice Omotosho delivered a ruling dismissing the fresh motions Kanu filed after the case was scheduled for judgment.

The court noted that the motions raised issues that had already been addressed previously.

Specifically, the court rejected Kanu’s request to refer the case to the Court of Appeal, citing Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which forbids a stay of proceedings in a criminal matter.

The judge also denied Kanu’s request for bail, noting that some of the points raised in his motions would be considered during the course of the judgment.

Detail shortly…

The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to deliver judgment today in the alleged terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The proceedings will be broadcast live on television.

The court registrar confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday morning.

Cameramen from major stations including NTA, Channels TV, AIT, and TVC are present in the courtroom with their equipment for live coverage.

Justice James Omotosho had on November 7 scheduled today for the judgment after Kanu’s defence was foreclosed.

The judge explained that Kanu chose not to present his defence under a repealed law.

According to Justice Omotosho, Kanu had six days allocated by the court to conduct his defence, which he did not fully utilise.

The judge emphasized that he would have granted an extension if Kanu had chosen to open his defence.

As a result, the court held that Kanu cannot claim he was denied his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing.

After years of legal proceedings on terrorism-related charges, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to learn his fate today as the court delivers judgment in his case.

Kanu’s trial has been one of the most closely followed legal battles in Nigeria in recent years.

He was first arrested in 2015 and charged with treasonable felony and terrorism, but the case has experienced multiple twists and turns.

In 2017, Kanu fled Nigeria while out on bail, following a military operation at his residence during “Operation Python Dance” in the South-East.

He was later arrested in Kenya in June 2021 under controversial circumstances and returned to Nigeria, a move his lawyers and IPOB have described as an “extraordinary rendition.”

Upon his return, additional charges were added, bringing the total to 15 counts, including terrorism and incitement to violence.

Kanu has consistently challenged the trial’s validity, citing procedural irregularities and alleged violations of international extradition and jurisdictional laws.

Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, is representing the Federal Government, while Kanu is representing himself.

Court proceedings this morning:

• 9:12 AM: Nnamdi Kanu begins speaking, asserting that no judgment should be delivered as he has filed all necessary legal processes.
• 9:14 AM: Justice Omotosho opens the hearing, emphasizing decorum in the courtroom.
• 9:20 AM: Kanu notes he has filed a motion of notice at the Court of Appeal and identifies all motions filed.
• 9:26 AM: The judge consolidates three of Kanu’s motions.
• 9:27 AM: Kanu argues that count 7 does not exist and that it invalidates the trial.
• 9:33 AM: Kanu details motions filed between November 11 and 17, including a request for the prosecution to file its final written address and a plea for bail.

The court is now poised to deliver its judgment, bringing a high-profile chapter of Nigeria’s legal history to a critical moment.

Civil rights organisations have raised alarm over what they describe as deep-seated injustice and abuse of power within Enugu State’s Magistrate Courts, urging Governor Peter Mbah to intervene immediately.

In a petition submitted to the governor, the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) detailed two troubling cases it said illustrate a broader pattern of rights violations and corruption in the state’s justice system.

CRRAN President, Olu Omotayo (Esq.), said the cases of Godwin Odey and Yusuf Omotara expose serious failures in the administration of justice, including arbitrary detention, extortion, and refusal by authorities to act.

“This matter clearly shows the grave violations of citizens’ right to access justice in Enugu State and the refusal of authorities to promptly redress these violations,” the petition stated.

Case 1: Man Charged With Murder Despite Airtight Alibi

According to the petition, Godwin Odey, an OND graduate, was arrested while travelling to Abuja and charged with murder, even though he was attending a wedding in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA at the time of the alleged crime.

CRRAN said the case file has not been transferred to the Attorney-General’s office for legal review, despite repeated requests.

This follows an earlier joint petition by CRRAN and the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), published October 8, which alleged that the Attorney-General’s office demanded a ₦50,000 “review fee” before accepting a petition requesting a review of Odey’s case.

The then Attorney-General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, now a Minister, denied the allegation.

Case 2: Detained for a Week, Nearly ₦5m Removed From Account

CRRAN also highlighted the case of Yusuf Omotara, who was detained for almost a week and had close to ₦5 million withdrawn from his bank account.

According to the petition, the withdrawal was carried out based on a questionable court order allegedly secured by a lawyer in collaboration with a Magistrate Court official.

The organisation described this as a blatant abuse of judicial authority and a violation of Omotara’s rights.

CRRAN argued that Magistrate Courts, being the closest courts to ordinary citizens,should offer quick, fair access to justice, but have instead become hotspots of corruption and arbitrary actions.

“If we aim to achieve an efficient justice system, these illegalities and abnormalities being perpetrated at the Magistrates Courts must be urgently addressed,” Omotayo said.

The group is calling for full investigation of all officials implicated in the abuses, Prosecution of those found culpable, Refund of money unlawfully deducted from Omotara’s account and Structural reforms to ensure justice is not denied due to corruption or administrative neglect.

A member of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Kandarawa, has facilitated the release of 45 kidnapped victims after leading a delegation to negotiate with terrorists operating in the state.

DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the victims were freed last Friday following a renewed peace agreement between community leaders and the armed group, an arrangement aimed at reducing the region’s persistent insecurity.

A video obtained by DAILY GAZETTE shows one of the terrorists confirming that the release was carried out because both sides upheld earlier promises.

The bandit stressed that the group expects the government and security agencies not to “escalate the situation,” adding that the agreement should allow their people to return to town and resume normal activities.

Hon. Abdurrahman, who led the dialogue process, defended the controversial engagement with the terrorists, comparing it to global conflict-resolution efforts.

“Even in the world, peace agreements are made to ensure coexistence,” he said.

“There is nothing wrong in making peace to secure a lasting and peaceful future for our people.”

The development comes amid a wave of recent attacks across northern Nigeria.

Earlier on Monday, DAILY GAZETTE reported that terrorists stormed Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, abducting multiple female students and killing at least one staff member.

A school guard was also injured in the attack, which occurred at about 5:52 am, just as students were preparing for morning activities.

Residents say the attackers are still in the area and have called for urgent government intervention to rescue the girls.

In a separate incident, terrorists launched a deadly assault on Rogun Village in Kpada District, Patigi LGA of Kwara State.

According to a security source, the attackers targeted a police outpost late Sunday night, engaging security personnel in a prolonged gun battle.

By the time the shooting ended, two security operatives, a police constabulary and a vigilante officer, had been confirmed dead.

The latest releases in Katsina come against the backdrop of ongoing violence that has plagued communities across the North-West and North-Central regions.

The Federal Government on Wednesday attributed the renewed wave of violent attacks, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and a deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara, to recent statements made by the United States, as anger spread across the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said posts by US President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatening possible American military intervention had “inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups” that now seek to justify attacks using international rhetoric.

“Recent pronouncements from the United States have inadvertently emboldened opportunistic violent groups seeking to exploit international narratives and make bold statements by attacking soft targets,” Akume said.

He noted that before Trump’s comments, insurgent operations had been significantly weakened, leaving only isolated banditry.

“This resurgence underscores the vital need for collaboration, not public labelling,” he added.

Between October 30 and November 1, Trump announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and warned he could deploy US forces if Nigeria failed to stop alleged killings of Christians.

He also said he had instructed the “Department of War” to prepare for possible action and threatened to suspend US assistance.

Akume reiterated that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, stressing that the Armed Forces have reclaimed territory, degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP leadership, and carried out successful operations.

What Nigeria needs, he said, is targeted support, especially intelligence, technology, and equipment.

He also rejected any framing of Nigeria’s conflict as a “Christian genocide,” stating that verified evidence shows insurgents attack both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians.

The Kebbi attack occurred early Monday at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu LGA.

Bandits killed the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, who reportedly attempted to shield students, and abducted dozens of schoolgirls.

The Kebbi Police Command confirmed 24 students were taken.

State officials later clarified that 26 girls were abducted, but two, Salma and Hauwa’u Liman, escaped and have been reunited with their families.

In Kwara, gunmen attacked Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku on Tuesday night while a live-streamed service was underway.

At least two worshippers were killed and around 35 abducted, according to police and eyewitnesses.

A viral video captured churchgoers scrambling for safety as gunmen fired into the building before fleeing into the bushes.

Security forces and local vigilantes have since launched a manhunt.

President Bola Tinubu postponed his travel to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola to receive direct updates on the Kebbi and Kwara incidents.

He ordered increased security deployment and directed the police to pursue the attackers aggressively.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited Eruku on Wednesday, announcing plans to seek a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron in the community.

He accused police personnel in the area of failing to respond during the attack, even alleging they fired tear gas at vigilantes and residents who tried to pursue the fleeing bandits.

Local youths also accused the police of negligence, insisting they had supported the division, including building houses for officers, yet received no help when the community was under attack.

Protesters later barricaded the Ilorin–Kabba highway, leaving vehicles stranded.

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, condemned the Kebbi abduction as “one tragedy too many,” likening the pattern to previous mass abductions in Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, and Kagara.

The group faulted poor surveillance around vulnerable schools and criticised weak coordination among security agencies.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that the “Christian genocide” narrative, once dismissed, was now becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy due to the government’s refusal to confront the roots of insecurity.

Former Kano governor and 2023 presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso condemned the escalating crisis, calling recent killings and kidnappings, including that of Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno, evidence of serious intelligence failures.

Former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi criticised the federal government’s “lack of political will,” accusing it of issuing hollow statements instead of taking decisive action.

The Nigeria Labour Congress expressed sorrow over the Kebbi abductions and warned that the ease with which bandits struck, despite existing security measures, suggests “something more worrying.”

Prominent activists and entertainers, including Omoyele Sowore, Falz, Inibehe Effiong, Debo Macaroni, Femi Adebayo, and Simi, also lambasted the government.

Many called for Tinubu’s resignation, accusing the administration of failing to protect citizens.

Falz and other public figures resurfaced Tinubu’s past criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan, urging him to apply the same standard to himself.

Simi lamented that Nigeria has become a place where tragedies repeat while authorities remain unmoved:
“‘Sorry’ is not enough. Never has been.”