Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice James Omotosho, adjourned proceedings in the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to Wednesday, November 5, 2025, following disputes over the legal validity of the charges against him. Kanu, representing himself, argued that there is no existing law underpinning the charges, citing a Supreme Court judgment of December 15, 2023, and Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution.
During the proceedings, Kanu read aloud the Supreme Court ruling, highlighting that several counts under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act and related statutes had been repealed or left unamended. He challenged the prosecution to present the statutory law under which he is charged, insisting that without a valid written law, the court lacks jurisdiction and any trial would be null and void from the start.
The prosecution, led by Awomolo, SAN, was unable to cite any current law to support the charges, while Kanu referenced international case law, including Entick v. Carrington (1765), to underscore that offences not codified in law cannot form the basis for prosecution. Justice Omotosho said the issue of jurisdiction would be addressed at the appropriate stage, while Kanu maintained that jurisdiction must come first before any defence or trial can proceed.
The court eventually adjourned the matter for Kanu to either enter his defence or waive it, with Kanu reiterating his stance that no law equals no trial. Legal experts say the case highlights critical constitutional questions about fair trial rights, adherence to Supreme Court rulings, and the requirement of valid written law for criminal prosecution.
Stone Reporter News
🌍 stonereportersnews.com | ✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reports | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments