November 20, (THEWILL) — Tension has gripped parts of Abuja and the South-East as the Federal High Court is set to deliver judgement in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS) since his extradition from Kenya in 2021, is facing charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony and incitement.
The IPOB leader had contended that the Federal Government’s continued reliance on the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, to prosecute him was unconstitutional, as the legislation had been repealed and replaced by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Maintaining that his continued prosecution amounts to “flagrant contempt” of the Court of Appeal judgement of October 13, 2022, which discharged him of all charges and condemned his extraordinary rendition, “There is no valid charge against me”, he told the court. He insisted that his trial and detention violate both Nigeria’s Constitution and international human rights instruments.
A court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, had fixed Thursday, November 20, 2025, to rule on a series of applications filed by both Kanu and the Federal Government, including a request by the IPOB leader challenging the competence of the charges against him and seeking his release on the grounds of alleged unlawful detention and infringement of his fundamental rights.
Ahead of the ruling, security agencies have intensified operations around the court premises and other critical locations amid fears of possible unrest.
Security patrols were also heightened in parts of the South-East, particularly in Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi States, where residents expressed anxiety over possible disruption of movement depending on the outcome of the judgement.
Sources within the security architecture told THEWILL that a multi-agency operation code-named Operation Stability was activated late Wednesday night to forestall breakdown of law and order. The measures include aerial surveillance, reinforcement of tactical teams, and standby rapid-response units.
Markets, transport hubs and major junctions in several communities in the South-East witnessed low activity on Thursday morning as residents cautiously monitored developments. Transport unions also confirmed a noticeable drop in interstate and intracity movement.
Civil society groups and political leaders have urged calm as the nation awaits the court’s decision. They appealed to citizens to avoid violence and allow the judicial process run its course.
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