The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a final deadline to open his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government or forfeit the right to do so.

Kanu, however, maintained in open court on Wednesday that there were no valid charges against him and insisted he would not enter any defence over what he described as a charge filed under a repealed law.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, granted the fresh extension until November 7 “in the interest of justice,” saying the opportunity was for the benefit of both the defendant and the country.

During the proceedings, instead of commencing his defence, Kanu challenged the validity of the charges. He argued that the Supreme Court, in its earlier judgment directing his trial, had mandated the Federal Government to amend the charge, as the original law under which he was charged had been repealed. He stated that the prosecution had failed to comply with this directive.

“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot enter a defence under a repealed law. I will not do that,” Kanu insisted.

Justice Omotosho advised him to reserve his arguments for the appropriate stage, but Kanu declined, reiterating his position that there was no legal basis for the trial to proceed.

At one point, Kanu indicated readiness to open his defence but requested time to consult with his four legal consultants—Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu.

The judge then urged him again to seek guidance from legal practitioners familiar with criminal procedure.

Earlier, counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had asked the court to enforce its earlier order requiring Kanu to open his defence or waive the right entirely.

However, Justice Omotosho stated that he was willing to extend time once more, giving Kanu another chance to reconsider his stand before deciding whether to defend the charges or forgo that right.

• Nigeria remains a secular state where freedom of religion is guaranteed
• Nigeria remains a secular state where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution

The Alleged Christians Genocide in Nigeria is far from being truth, Minister of Information, Muhammed Idris is currently answering question on alleged genocide in Nigeria. The social media users have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with reactions after Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris, appeared on CNN to address claims of a supposed genocide against Christians in the country.

The televised interview, which sparked widespread debate, was shared by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, through his verified X account.

The controversy began after some international media organizations published reports alleging that Christians were being deliberately targeted and persecuted in Nigeria. Responding to these reports during his CNN appearance, Minister Idris firmly rejected the claims, describing them as misleading and unfounded.

He emphasized that Nigeria remains a secular state where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution and respected by the government.

According to Idris, both Muslims and Christians enjoy the right to practice their faith freely without discrimination. He acknowledged, however, that the country has faced years of insecurity linked to insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and other criminal organizations.

The minister noted that the federal government has made significant progress in addressing these threats over the past two years through sustained military operations and community-based peace initiatives.

In the segment shared online, Idris stated that since 2012, Nigeria has endured numerous security challenges but has never engaged in or endorsed violence against any religious community. He reassured the international community that President Tinubu’s administration remains committed to ensuring safety, unity, and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians.

Following the video’s release, thousands of Nigerians took to social media to express their opinions, with reactions ranging from support for the minister’s clarification to criticism over the government’s handling of ongoing security issues.

A peaceful protest calling for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, turned violent on Monday after security operatives fired tear gas canisters at demonstrators led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore in the Maitama and Transcorp Hilton areas of Abuja.

The protesters, including clergymen, members of civil society groups, and pro-democracy activists, had gathered under the banner of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow movement to demand Kanu’s immediate release in compliance with a 2022 Court of Appeal judgment.

Eyewitnesses said the protesters had barely begun chanting solidarity songs when heavily armed police officers and soldiers moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse the crowd.

“There were no violent acts; people were only singing and holding placards when the police suddenly started shooting tear gas,” an eyewitness told Politics Nigeria. “Many people were injured, and even passersby were affected by the fumes.”

The protest, which began around the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) headquarters in Maitama before spreading towards the Transcorp Hilton area, quickly descended into chaos as security personnel sealed off adjoining streets and fired indiscriminately.

Videos from the scene showed protesters and commuters scampering for safety as thick plumes of smoke filled the air. Some journalists covering the protest were reportedly manhandled, while several protesters sustained injuries.

Security sources confirmed that the operation was a joint effort by the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army. The security agencies had, on Sunday, issued warnings cautioning demonstrators against marching toward restricted areas such as the Presidential Villa, Eagle Square, and the Three Arms Zone.

Despite the warnings, Sowore and other organisers vowed to go ahead with the protest, accusing the government of violating court orders and suppressing lawful dissent.

“We are here to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose continued detention is in defiance of valid court judgments,” Sowore said moments before the police crackdown. “Instead of respecting the rule of law, they’ve chosen brutality and intimidation.”

Barrister Njoku Jude Njoku, a member of the Nnamdi Kanu Defence Consortium, condemned the police action and reiterated that Kanu’s detention remained illegal.

In a statement titled “#ReleaseNnamdiKanu – The Law Is Clear!”, Njoku said:

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s detention isn’t just unlawful—it’s a national embarrassment. The government is disobeying its own courts and violating the Constitution. The Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in October 2022. That judgment stands, yet he remains in custody. This is pure contempt.”

He further accused the Supreme Court of “twisting justice” by reversing the appellate decision, describing the move as a breach of Section 36(9) of the Nigerian Constitution, which prohibits double jeopardy.

“You cannot try a man twice for the same offence,” he added. “They are even using a repealed version of the Terrorism Act to continue his trial. It’s unlawful and morally indefensible.”

Meanwhile, heavy security presence remains around strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, Federal Secretariat, and the approach roads to Aso Rock.