I am asking the Nigerian government to do the right thing and partner with the United States to protect Christians and end to the slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ - Rep Riley Moore
IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Arrives Court As Session Begins
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja for the continuation of his ongoing trial.
"The matter of FRN versus Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has convened, #MNK has arrived, the Judge is in seating. Onyendu’s braves-in-council are assembled," Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Kanu, posted on X.
SaharaReporters understand that there is heavy security in the court premises.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja had given the detained IPOB leader until November 7 to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
The court again warned that failure to do so would lead to the closure of his case.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, described the adjournment as Kanu’s last opportunity to defend himself.
"We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed. But, I am bound to give him another opportunity to put in his defence,” the judge said.
“If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer. I will give the last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defence, failure which he would be deemed closed,” Justice Omotosho added before adjourning till November 7.
Earlier, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence, noting that he had already used up five of the six days allotted for his defence without presenting any witnesses or evidence.
Awomolo reminded the court that “the court, on Tuesday, adjourned till Wednesday for Kanu to enter a defence in his trial or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.” He added that the defendant again refused to open his defence when proceedings resumed.
According to the prosecution, Kanu maintained that there was no valid charge against him and therefore declined to proceed. Awomolo then prayed the court to foreclose the defendant and adjourn the matter for judgment.
From the dock, Kanu reiterated his position, insisting there was “no valid charge” against him to warrant entering any defence.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers — P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu — who now act as his consultants, to conduct themselves within professional ethics.
This followed complaints by Awomolo, who accused the lawyers of granting media interviews and making social media posts about the ongoing trial.
The court then adjourned proceedings till November 7, when Kanu is expected to finally open his defence or have the case declared closed.
Amid national conversation over the detention of Nnamdi Kanu's lawyer, Fresh update has emerge as Arisetv Rufai Oseni has drop vital question over the queries dump on the professional insensitivity of Aloy Ejimakor over constitutional provision on... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtVHEOFkbII?si=3A1HMAxYFXKN_IsN
Omoyele Sowore, a dedicated advocate, has provided an update on the detention of Aloy Ejimakor, a key attorney for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, along with other demonstrators in Abuja. With compassion, Sowore invites Nigerians to join in solidarity, fostering hope and collective action to support Kanu’s cause and seek justice in a challenging time.
Witness the compelling moment when Omoyele Sowore, a prominent activist and advocate for justice, met with the detained lawyer of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (MNK), alongside other individuals held in custody, prior to their transfer.
This poignant encounter, charged with emotion and solidarity, underscores Sowore’s unwavering commitment to championing the cause of those facing incarceration.
The meeting took place in a highly charged atmosphere, as Sowore engaged with the detainees, offering support and shedding light on their plight.
This significant moment captures the essence of resilience and the ongoing struggle for justice, highlighting the challenges faced by those in detention and the broader fight for human rights.
Police Brutalise, Arrest Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer, Brother At #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest In Abuja
The Nigerian Police have arrested Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, over the ongoing #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja.
Confirming the development, human rights activist and convener of the Take It Back movement, Omoyele Sowore, demanded their immediate release by the Nigerian police authorities.
"The PoliceNG team deployed to brutalize #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters arrested Nnamdi Kanu's brother, and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, as well as innocent bystanders," he posted on his social media handles Monday.
"They were beaten and taken to the FCT command. The police must release them immediately.”
“We’ve just been arrested. Myself, Prince Emanuel and others. We are at FCT COMMAND CID. Myself, Fine Boy and others. No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki 2, Abuja,” Ejimakor also posted on Monday morning.
One of Kanu’s brothers, Kanunta Kanu, also confirmed the arrest in post, saying, “Breaking news. FCT police COMMAND CID Abuja, No 1 Zaria Steeet, Gariki Area 2, illegally arrested Barrister Aloy Ejimako and Prince Emmanuel Kanu, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Special counsel and youngest brother and others. They should be released immediately because, it is their right to protest.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that security operatives on Monday fired tear gas canisters Sowore, several clergymen, and their supporters during a protest at the Transcorp Hilton area of Abuja.
The protesters, who had gathered to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, were dispersed by heavily armed police officers deployed around the hotel and adjoining streets.
Among the demonstrators were pastors and members of civil society organisations who were chanting solidarity songs before security agents moved in, firing multiple rounds of tear gas to disperse them.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force had earlier fired tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, dispersing passersby and commuters amid heightened tension ahead of the planned #ReleaseNnamdiKanuNow protest.
The demonstration, championed by human rights activist Sowore and several pro-democracy groups, was billed to hold today, October 20, 2025, with protesters vowing to march to the Presidential Villa to demand the immediate release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
However, even before protesters arrived at the designated convergence points, police officers deployed to Maitama and the Central Area fired multiple tear gas canisters, throwing residents and workers into panic. Witnesses said many people who were simply on their way to work were caught in the chaos and scampered for safety.
“There were no protesters yet; people were just moving around as usual when suddenly the police started firing tear gas,” a witness told SaharaReporters.
“Everyone started running, even roadside traders and taxi drivers.”
Security forces, including soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have since taken over strategic parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including the Three Arms Zone, Eagle Square, Federal Secretariat, Unity Fountain, and adjoining routes leading to Aso Rock.
The lockdown follows warnings issued by the Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, cautioning organisers to “stay clear of restricted areas” and maintain peace. Despite the threats, organisers have vowed to proceed, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s government of gross contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.