Royal News

Tag: nnamdi kanu

  • Igbo Self-Determination Groups Urge Traditional Rulers to Speak Out on Nnamdi Kanu

    Igbo Self-Determination Groups Urge Traditional Rulers to Speak Out on Nnamdi Kanu

     

    A coalition of pan-Igbo self-determination groups has called on Igbo traditional rulers in the South-East to abandon silence and act decisively against perceived marginalization of the Igbo community in Nigeria.

    In a joint statement on Friday, the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), Ambassadors for Self-Determination, and Rising Sun Foundation urged courage over “cowardice” as a means to safeguard Igboland.

    The statement followed remarks by an Enugu State traditional ruler, Dr. Lawrence Agubuzu, the Eze Ogbunechendo of Ezema Olo Kingdom, who publicly demanded the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, or his return to Kenya, where he was abducted before extradition to Nigeria in 2021.

    Agubuzu made the appeal during the 2026 National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit on Health at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on February 17. He told President Bola Tinubu, “Bring this man out. If we don’t want him in Nigeria, return him to Kenya or London where they took him from…We cannot make progress in this country if we don’t tell ourselves the truth.”

    The self-determination groups commended Agubuzu for his stance and urged other Igbo monarchs to follow suit. They highlighted HRM Eze Agubuzu and HRM Eze Chukwuemeka Eri as the only traditional rulers publicly addressing the detention of Kanu.

    The statement criticized the silence of other Igbo rulers, including the Obi of Onitsha and Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, describing it as complicity and a betrayal of their people. It stressed that traditional titles carry no value if leaders fail to protect the rights and dignity of their subjects.

    The groups concluded by calling on all Igbo leaders to speak with one voice for Kanu, warning that history would judge those who remain silent. “The era of self-serving silence is over. AlaIgbo demands justice, leadership, and courage—now,” the statement said.

  • Court Strikes Out Kanu’s Transfer Application

    Court Strikes Out Kanu’s Transfer Application

    Justice James Kolawole Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an ex parte motion filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking his transfer from the Sokoto Correctional Facility.

    The decision was delivered on Tuesday after Kanu’s counsel, Demdoo Asan of the Legal Aid Council, applied to withdraw from the case, citing irreconcilable differences with the applicant.

    Asan told the court that since the last adjourned date, he had maintained constant telephone communication with Kanu’s relatives, who were expected to depose to the application. However, he said they repeatedly failed to honour invitations to his office despite assurances.

    He further disclosed that Kanu sought to control the conduct of the case by dictating what counsel should say in court, a request he described as unacceptable.

    “He wants to write down what I would say while in court. But as an officer of the court, I cannot, in good faith, accept that,” Asan said.

    The counsel added that after consulting with his superiors at the Legal Aid Council, they agreed that legal practitioners must retain professional independence in handling matters before the court. He subsequently invoked Order 50, Rule 1 of the Federal High Court Rules to formally withdraw from the case.

    In his ruling, Justice Omotosho commended the counsel for upholding the dignity and integrity of the court and granted leave for both Asan and the Legal Aid Council to withdraw from representing Kanu.

    The judge held that the ex parte motion was incompetent, noting that the court had earlier directed that relevant parties be served with notice in the interest of justice and fairness.

    Justice Omotosho observed that from December 8, 2025, when the matter was last adjourned, until January 27, 2026, there was no proof of service before the court.

    He consequently ordered that the motion be struck out for lack of competence.

  • Kanu’s Lawyer Accuses NJC, NBA of Silence Over Conviction

    Kanu’s Lawyer Accuses NJC, NBA of Silence Over Conviction

     

    A lawyer and member of the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Defence Consortium, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has accused the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) of remaining silent in the face of what he described as serious legal irregularities in the conviction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Chidera alleged that Nigeria’s leading legal institutions were relying on public propaganda to overshadow what he termed the unlawful prosecution, conviction, and continued detention of Kanu.

    The lawyer argued that Kanu should not have been prosecuted or convicted under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act (TPAA) of 2013, which he said had been repealed by the National Assembly prior to the judgment.

    According to Chidera, Nigeria enacted a new terrorism law in 2022, simultaneously repealing earlier terrorism laws from 2011 and 2013. He maintained that once repealed, the old law ceased to have legal effect and could no longer serve as the basis for criminal conviction or sentencing.

    “The National Assembly scrapped the old terrorism laws. Scrapped means dead. Dead laws cannot jail people,” Chidera said, insisting that any ongoing or future proceedings should have been conducted under the new legislation.

    He further claimed that the trial judge acknowledged the repeal but failed to apply the provisions of the 2022 law, despite stating an intention to ensure a smooth legal transition. According to him, Kanu was convicted and sentenced solely under the repealed 2013 law.

    Chidera described the action as a deliberate misapplication of the law, warning that allowing such a judgment to stand would undermine the authority of the legislature and the supremacy of the Constitution.

    “If a court can convict under a repealed law, then any citizen is at risk,” he warned, adding that such precedent could allow judges to resurrect obsolete laws at will.

    He concluded that the case transcends Kanu’s situation and raises broader concerns about the rule of law, judicial accountability, and constitutional governance in Nigeria.

     

  • Kanu’s Lawyer Seeks Relocation After Reported Sokoto Strike

    Kanu’s Lawyer Seeks Relocation After Reported Sokoto Strike

    Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has renewed calls for his client to be moved out of northern Nigeria, citing heightened security concerns.

    Ejimakor made the appeal on Friday in a post on X, following reports of a United States military strike on terrorist targets in Sokoto State.

    According to the lawyer, the reported operation underscores the scale of terrorist activity in the area and reinforces his position that Sokoto is not a safe location to hold Kanu.

    He argued that the presence of armed groups in the region poses a serious risk to his client’s safety and called on authorities to relocate him to a detention facility outside northern Nigeria.

    Ejimakor said the need for Kanu’s transfer has become more urgent in light of recent security developments.

    “The U.S. military strike against terrorists in Sokoto has finally confirmed that Sokoto is riddled with terrorists and was never a safe place of custody for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he wrote, urging that Kanu be moved out of what he described as the “terrorist belt” in the North.

  • BREAKING….Nnamdi Kanu moved to Sokoto maximum prison custody

    BREAKING….Nnamdi Kanu moved to Sokoto maximum prison custody


    The convicted leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, has been moved to a maximum-security correctional centre in Sokoto State.

    Recall that Justice James Omotosho, found him guilty of several terrorism-related charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment on Thursday.

    The court also ruled that Kanu should not be sent to Kuje Correctional Centre.

    The judge said the facility was not suitable for him and ordered that he be kept in a more secure location.

    His transfer marks the end of his long stay in the custody of the Department of State Services in Abuja, where he had been held for years during his trial.

    Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, said on social media that his client was taken from the DSS facility and moved to the prison in Sokoto.

    He said that the new location places Kanu far from his family, legal team, and those who have been supporting him.

  • Court Proceeds With Nnamdi Kanu Trial In His Absence

    Court Proceeds With Nnamdi Kanu Trial In His Absence

    Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday began delivering judgment in the terrorism case against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, continuing the proceedings without the defendant present.

    The judge ordered the continuation after describing Kanu’s conduct in court as unruly, noting that his behaviour had disrupted proceedings on multiple occasions.

    The decision came after the court dismissed three fresh motions filed by Kanu, ruling that they lacked merit. The IPOB leader objected sharply, arguing that judgment could not proceed because he had not filed his final written address.

    Kanu interrupted the court several times, raising his voice and questioning the legal basis for the charges. “Which law states that you can charge me on an unwritten law? Show me… Any judgment declared in this court is complete rubbish,” he said, while also accusing Justice Omotosho of bias.

    Following a brief adjournment, the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to continue the trial without Kanu due to his disruptive conduct.

    Justice Omotosho ruled that while defendants have a constitutional right to be present during their trial, persistent misconduct allows the court to proceed in their absence. “If a defendant misconducts himself or acts in an unruly manner during the course of his trial, his trial can be conducted in his absence,” he said.

    The judge noted that Kanu had a history of similar behaviour and had previously stated that he would not present a defence. He also emphasized that the court “is a temple of God” and must maintain order.

    Kanu was subsequently removed from the courtroom, and Justice Omotosho continued delivering the judgment and moving toward possible sentencing.

  • Judge Begs Nnamdi Kanu to Seek Legal Advice in Terrorism Trial

    Proceedings in the terrorism trial of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Monday as the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, pleaded with the defendant to seek proper legal counsel before continuing to represent himself.

    Justice Omotosho, who made the appeal “in the name of God Almighty,” urged Kanu to consult experts in criminal law, stressing that the case was too complex to be handled without professional guidance.

    “I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to consult properly,” the judge said. “I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer. This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution. Please, my brother, make adequate consultation.”

    The court had previously adjourned the matter for Kanu to open his defence after he dismissed his legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). The IPOB leader is facing seven counts of terrorism-related offences brought against him by the Federal Government.

    At Monday’s sitting, five seats were reserved for Kanu’s witnesses in anticipation that he would open his defence. However, when the case was called, Kanu told the court that there was no valid charge against him and that the prosecution had failed to establish any case requiring a defence.

    “There is actually no charge against me,” Kanu said. “If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence.”

    Responding, Justice Omotosho explained the available legal options open to a defendant after the prosecution closes its case—making a no-case submission, entering a defence, or resting on the prosecution’s case and filing a written address.

    The judge reminded Kanu that the court had already ruled on his earlier no-case submission, holding that he had a case to answer.

    Kanu then sought a week’s adjournment to file a written address arguing that there was no valid law supporting the charges against him. He also asked the court to either release him or grant him bail.

    The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), countered that Kanu’s refusal to open his defence effectively marked the conclusion of his case, urging the court to proceed to judgment.

    Justice Omotosho, however, clarified that Kanu’s position—that the charges could not stand—constituted a legal argument that must be formally submitted in writing.

    The judge granted Kanu four days to file and serve his written address, after which the prosecution will respond. The matter was adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence, should he change his mind.

  • BREAKIN NEWS:Nnamdi Kanu Drops Plan to Call Witnesses, Insists No Valid Charge Against Him

    BREAKIN NEWS:Nnamdi Kanu Drops Plan to Call Witnesses, Insists No Valid Charge Against Him

    The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.

    The trial, which resumed on Monday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was initially scheduled for Kanu to open his defence. The court had earlier adjourned the case on October 24 to allow him to present his witnesses, following his formal request for witness summons.

    However, when proceedings resumed, Kanu informed the court that after reviewing the case file, he found no valid charge against him. He said that since he believed the case lacked merit and that his trial was unlawful, there was no reason to proceed with his defence.

    Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to file a written address outlining his position and to serve the prosecution accordingly. The judge also advised him to seek expert legal counsel on the implications of his decision to forgo calling witnesses.

    The court then adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses. The adoption will either proceed based on Kanu’s argument that the prosecution failed to establish a case against him or allow him to present his defence if he chooses to do so.

    Details shortly…

  • BREAKING: Court grants bail to Sowore, Kanu’s brother, and others

    BREAKING: Court grants bail to Sowore, Kanu’s brother, and others

    A Magistrate’s Court in Kuje, Abuja, on Friday granted bail to publisher and activist Omoyele Sowore, Aloy Ejimakor, a member of the legal team representing IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and ten others. Each was released on bail of ₦500,000 with two sureties in the same amount.

    The thirteen defendants were arrested and arraigned for inciting public disturbance and breach of peace following the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest held on Monday, October 20, in Abuja.

    Ejimakor, Emmanuel Kanu, and the other ten defendants were taken into custody during the protest and remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility. Sowore was arrested separately on October 23 at the Federal High Court while attending Kanu’s terrorism trial to show solidarity.

    The court’s decision allows the defendants to remain free pending further legal proceedings.

    Details are awaited on the next hearing.

  • Court Issues Nnamdi Kanu 24Hours Ultimatum to Open Defence or Forfeit Right

    Court Issues Nnamdi Kanu 24Hours Ultimatum to Open Defence or Forfeit Right

     

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, 24 hours to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk waiving the opportunity.

    Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Thursday after a dramatic turn of events in which Kanu sacked his entire legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    When the case was called, Agabi announced, alongside five other Senior Advocates of Nigeria—Onyechi Ikpeazu, Joseph Akubo, Paul Erokoro, Emeka Etiaba, and another unnamed SAN—that they were withdrawing from the case.

    Explaining their decision, Agabi told the court that Kanu had decided to personally take over his case, a decision they respected.

    Justice Omotosho then asked Kanu to confirm the development, and the IPOB leader affirmed that he had dismissed all his lawyers and was prepared to conduct his defence on his own.

    The judge subsequently directed all members of the defence team, except the withdrawing SANs, to vacate the courtroom before inviting Kanu to begin his defence.

    Kanu, however, began by challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue the trial, a motion the judge swiftly overruled, insisting the proceedings must go on.

    At that point, Ikpeazu (SAN) reminded the court that their withdrawal had taken effect earlier that morning and pleaded that Kanu be given time to compose himself and prepare for his defence.

    Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), raised no objection to the plea. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Friday, October 24, to enable Kanu to open his defence.