Security has been heightened in the South-East as the Federal High Court in Abuja prepares to deliver judgment in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, following what his lawyers describe as an “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya. The trial, which has lasted nearly a decade, sees Kanu facing terrorism-related charges that he has consistently challenged as unlawful.

On November 7, Justice James Omotosho fixed November 20 for judgment after ruling that Kanu failed to open his defence within the allocated six days. Kanu has filed motions challenging the charges, claiming they disclose no offence known to law, and seeking his release.

Despite the legal back-and-forth, including a Court of Appeal discharge in 2022 and a Supreme Court reversal, the trial remains politically sensitive, drawing attention from regional leaders, human-rights organisations, and the public.

Ahead of the ruling, Abia State Police have strengthened security measures. Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka confirmed that the state remains peaceful but added that officers are fully deployed to maintain law and order.

Kanu has also filed a separate complaint against two DSS witnesses, alleging perjury in their testimonies during the trial. The complaint names the DSS Director General and the Attorney General of the Federation as defendants.

With tension and anticipation high, authorities continue to monitor the region closely as Nigerians await the court’s decision in one of the country’s most high-profile legal cases.