The Federal High Court in Abuja will on Thursday deliver judgment in the terrorism-related charges against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with proceedings to be broadcast live.
The court registrar confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday morning.
Cameramen from major television stations — including NTA, Channels TV, AIT and TVC — were already seated in the courtroom with their broadcast equipment set up for live transmission of the proceedings.
Justice James Omotosho had on November 7 fixed today for judgment after the court foreclosed Kanu’s defence following his refusal to open it, insisting he would not proceed under what he described as a repealed law.
The judge ruled that Kanu had exhausted the six days allocated to him to conduct his defence and therefore waived his right to present further evidence.
Justice Omotosho noted that the court would have extended the timeframe if Kanu had shown willingness to open his defence.
He held that having failed to utilise the opportunity provided by the court, Kanu could not claim that his constitutional right to a fair hearing had been violated.