— Proceedings Take Shocking Turn as Judge Blocks Final Addresses in Abuja
The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic twist on Friday, November 7, 2025, as heated exchanges erupted between Kanu and Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to a briefing issued by Onyedikachi Ifedi, Esq., who reported from the courtroom, the day’s proceedings raised “grave constitutional and procedural concerns,” with the judge accused of sidestepping basic legal principles that govern criminal trials in Nigeria.
Kanu Challenges Judge to Cite the Law
The tension began when Kanu repeatedly demanded that Justice Omotosho identify the specific written law under which he was being tried. To the surprise of many in the courtroom, the judge reportedly failed to name any law creating the alleged offence.
Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu reminded the court that no person can be convicted for an offence not defined in a written law. “My faith is in the Constitution, not in your personal opinion,” Kanu was quoted as saying.
Controversy Over Repealed Law
Kanu also filed a motion to have his plea expunged from the court record, arguing that the charges were based on a repealed statute. However, Justice Omotosho allegedly refused to acknowledge the matter, a move legal analysts say contradicts the Evidence Act, which obligates judges to take judicial notice of repealed laws.
Judge Bars Final Written Addresses
In what observers described as a shocking deviation from standard court practice, Justice Omotosho reportedly ruled that no final written addresses would be accepted from either side — a move described as “unprecedented in Nigerian criminal history.”
Final addresses, lawyers noted, are a mandatory stage of trial proceedings that allow both prosecution and defense to summarize their arguments before judgment is delivered.
“This is judicial ambush,” one lawyer said after the session. “It violates the very essence of fair hearing.”
Kanu’s Defiant Closing Remark
Reacting to the judge’s decision, Kanu declared in open court that no judge has the power to override the Constitution. He insisted that Section 36(12) clearly forbids any conviction without a valid written law.
Public Outrage and Growing Concern
Today’s proceedings have fueled widespread public concern and renewed debate over judicial independence and human rights in Nigeria. Observers questioned why the court appeared to avoid referencing the specific law being applied and why written submissions were blocked.
“This is not a normal judicial process,” the public briefing stated. “The actions and pronouncements of Justice Omotosho reflect a troubling pattern of procedural irregularities and disregard for constitutional safeguards.”
As the case continues, pressure is mounting from both local and international rights groups calling for transparency and adherence to due process in the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
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