Ahead of the November 20, 2025 judgment date in his terrorism trial before an Abuja Federal High Court, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has received a freedom fighter award.
Justice James Omotosho had set the date to deliver judgment in the trial, which has lasted several years.
However, while Kanu and Nigerians as well as other observers await the court’s verdict, a coalition of pan-Igbo associations have come together to give the Biafra agitator an award of honour as ‘Most Determined Freedom Fighter of All Times’.
The award was presented to Kanu by Eze Okoro Justus Chinaemezu Osinachi on behalf of 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 why the award was given to the IPOB leader.
The award was received by Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, on behalf of the agitator.
DAILY POST reports that shortly after Justice Omotosho set the date for judgment in the terrorism trial, Kanu had declared that he can’t be convicted with a non-existent law.
Kanu and his defence team had been arguing that the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 under which he was charged had been repealed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.
Meanwhile, IPOB has denied reports that Kanu forfeited his right to defense in the ongoing terrorism trial.
In a statement released signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said reports that Kanu waived his right to defense were false and misleading. According to the group, the reports do not reflect the actual proceedings in court. It maintained that Kanu did not abandon his right to defend himself but instead 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.
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The group emphasized 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.
Insisting on the argument that the law under which Kanu is being tried no longer exists, the group pointed to 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.
