“You Don’t Know the Law” — Kanu Tells Judge in Court
The trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu took a dramatic turn on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, as Kanu openly challenged Justice James Omotosho over what he described as procedural irregularities and the reliance on obsolete laws in his prosecution.
The confrontation came du20 November 2025ring discussions over the filing of Kanu’s final written address.
Kanu insisted he had the constitutional right to submit the document and questioned the legal basis for earlier restrictions imposed by the court.
He said, “Which law states that you can charge me on a repealed law? Show me. Omotosho where is the law? Any judgment declared in this Court is complete rubbish’
“You don’t know the law, show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address, Omotosho show me the law.”
He argued that the prosecution had failed to cite any valid written law defining the offences against him, asserting that many of the statutes referenced had long been repealed.
Representing himself after parting ways with his legal team, Kanu repeatedly cited Section 36(12) of the Constitution, which he said guarantees that no Nigerian can be convicted for an offence not clearly established in written law.
Describing the case as a “nullity,” Kanu stressed that his motion on notice, affidavit, and constitutional arguments should be considered as part of his defence and final written submission.
The proceedings became tense as the prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), accused Kanu of attempting to delay the trial through repeated filings and his refusal to formally open his defence.
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Justice Omotosho reminded Kanu that failing to defend himself could be interpreted as a waiver of his rights, saying, “You are educated, but you are not a lawyer. This is a criminal matter, and you must understand the consequences.”
Despite the tension, the judge confirmed that Kanu’s submissions would be taken into account at the judgment stage, while emphasising that the trial would not be delayed indefinitely.
The court had previously scheduled 20 November 2025 for the delivery of judgment. Kanu has already filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt the proceedings pending resolution of questions regarding the trial’s jurisdiction and the legality of the charges.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
