Ahead of the 20 November 2025 judgment date in his terrorism trial before the Abuja Federal High Court, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has received a freedom fighter award.
Justice James Omotosho had fixed the date to deliver judgment in the trial, which has spanned several years.
While Kanu, Nigerians, and other observers await the court’s verdict, a coalition of pan-Igbo associations has honoured the Biafra agitator with an award titled ‘Most Determined Freedom Fighter of All Times’.
The award was presented to Kanu by Eze Okoro Justus Chinaemezu Osinachi on behalf of the National Association of Nze na Ozo Council of Nigeria.
“For your selfless dedication to the growth, unity and development of Ndigbo,” the association stated, explaining the reason for the honour.
The award was received on Kanu’s behalf by his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu.
DAILY POST reports that shortly after Justice Omotosho fixed the judgment date in the terrorism trial, Kanu declared that he cannot be convicted under a non-existent law.
Kanu and his defence team have argued that the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013, under which he was charged, has been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Meanwhile, IPOB has denied reports that Kanu forfeited his right to defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the reports claiming that Kanu waived his right to defence as false and misleading, stating that they do not reflect the actual proceedings in court. The group maintained that Kanu did not abandon his right to defend himself but has continued to insist on a fair and lawful trial.
“Let the truth be clear: Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not forfeited anything. What is happening in court has raised serious legal questions that need to be addressed within the limits of the law,” IPOB said in the statement.
IPOB reaffirmed its support for Kanu’s position in court and appealed for calm among its members and the general public.
The group emphasised that the matter should be resolved in accordance with constitutional provisions and established legal standards.
“The right to fair hearing is fundamental to every citizen. Any process that overlooks this principle does not serve justice,” IPOB said.
Reiterating its argument that the law under which Kanu is being tried no longer exists, the group cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that “a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore is prescribed in a written law”.
The Nigerian government, through its prosecutor, Adegboyega Awolowo, SAN, is, however, insisting that Kanu has a case to answer. The prosecution is asking the court to convict the IPOB leader.
Ahead Nov 20 judgment, Nnamdi Kanu gets ‘freedom fighter’ recognition