Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, threw out Nnamdi Kanu’s latest bail plea on Thursday, describing it as “highly unmeritorious” and barred by Nigeria’s criminal procedure statutes.
He cited Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, stressing that a stay of proceedings isn’t allowed in a criminal trial and that Kanu’s request fell outside the recognised bail categories—pending trial or pending appeal—especially since the defence had already been entered.
Omotosho noted that on October 27, 2025 the court ordered Kanu to present his defence or file a final written address, which the defence subsequently did, deeming it the final address.
“In view of the statutory prohibition and the stage of the proceedings, the relief sought is without merit and is hereby dismissed,” the judge said, adding that all issues raised in Kanu’s motion would be addressed in the final judgment.
Earlier, Kanu had argued that the court lacked competence to try him and that the repealed Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act rendered the charges unlawful.
He sought to have the case struck out, his not‑guilty plea expunged and his release ordered on grounds that the charges disclosed no offence known to law.
He also filed a fresh suit at the Court of Appeal to halt today’s judgment, though no hearing date has been set.
The court had fixed November 20 for judgment after Kanu failed to open his defence within the six‑day window.
Security in Abia State was tightened to prevent unrest.
