Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has personally filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt further proceedings in his ongoing treason trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court.
The application, filed earlier today, requests that the appellate court stay the trial, potentially affecting the November 20, 2025, date set for judgment. Kanu’s motion challenges several decisions made by the trial court, including the dismissal of his no-case submission on September 26, 2025, the refusal to address jurisdictional and count validity issues, and the denial of his right to call defence witnesses.
In supporting affidavits, Kanu contends that the trial court ignored critical jurisdictional objections, failed to adequately assess prosecution evidence during cross-examination, and moved prematurely toward judgment without allowing the defence to complete its case. He argues that continuing proceedings risks an unlawful conviction and infringes on his constitutional rights.
The motion invokes Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution and the court’s inherent powers, emphasising the need to preserve appeal rights on substantial constitutional matters, including reliance on repealed statutes and compliance with Supreme Court directives and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). The case has been pending since 2015.
Court observers say the outcome of the application could significantly delay the conclusion of Kanu’s trial and set the stage for high-profile appellate proceedings.
