Eastern Times

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

Today, we go again!
This day carries enormous significance for many reasons. At the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria is on the verge of either rewriting or repeating its own tragic history or redrawing the very map of justice. It may also be a day the country meets its nemesis.

Why?
Because a Federal High Court judge is about to deliver a ruling on whether the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is guilty of the terrorism-related offenses the Nigerian state has accused him of, charges rooted in his unrelenting agitation for a separate homeland for the people of the South East.

By a twist of fate only destiny itself can explain, I am also in court today, facing a charge of “cybercrime” filed by the Nigeria Police Force on behalf of one of Nigeria’s most notorious so-called billionaires, Senator Prince Ned Nwoko.

This case traces back to a 2021 incident involving Ned Nwoko and an aphrodisiac vendor popularly known as Jaruma. Nwoko sought to jail her by any means necessary, but my intervention prevented that injustice. Instead of learning, he turned his sights on me claiming that a Sahara Reporters story exposing fraudulent activities connected to his NGO amounted to “cyberbullying.”

His favourite police enforcers at the FCT Command in Abuja arrested and briefly detained me and have repeatedly attempted to arraign me under a section of the 2015 Cybercrime Act that has since been removed from the law, one of the many absurdities of this persecution.

But back to Nnamdi Kanu.

I am pretty certain his case goes far beyond the expectation that a court in Abuja, presided over by one of its coconut-headed judges, will suddenly deliver justice. It cannot unless it bows to superior, natural forces of justice and applies conscience rather than federal might.

Two weeks ago, I led a protest to highlight the futility and danger of this trial. I stand firm by that action. In fact, I spent three nights in Kuje Prison for daring to lead a protest demanding the release of one of Nigeria’s top hostages.

And today, again, I insist that It is not too late.

Credit: Omoyele Sowore

is inevitable.

11/18/2025

Breaking: MAZI NNAMDI KANU files Direct Criminal Complaint (seeking criminal summons) against two witnesses who testified for the prosecution at his trial on grounds that “they willfully gave false evidence on oath”. The details are below.

11/18/2025

Breaking News:
In a new twist to the growing call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, a group of 44 serving Federal lawmakers from different regions in Nigeria both north and south, convened by Hon. Ikenga Imo, have written a two-page letter and resolution to President Tinubu urging the President to invoke his constitutional powers and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and convene an all inclusive political Roundtable with all parties to the challenges to find a lasting solution via a political window.

The Lawmakers under the aegis of concerned federal lawmakers in a letter addressed to the President urged him to as soon as practicable, direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was signed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Hon. Murphy Osaro, Hon. Peter Akpanke, Hon. Mudshiru Lukman, Hon. Paul Nnamechi, Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus, Hon. Obed Shehu, Hon. Engr. Dominic, Hon. Chief Ugwu Emmanuel, Hon. Daniel Asama Ago, Hon. Chike John Okafor, Hon. Adam Ogene Ogbaru, Hon. Emeka Martin's Chinedu, Hon. Chimaobi Sam, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, Hon. Donatus Matthew, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Hon. Mudashiru Lukman, Hon. Thaddeus Atta, Hon. Udema H. Okonkwo, Hon. Cyril Godwin, Hon. Princess Chinwe Nnabuike, Hon. Kana Nkemkama, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Gwachem Maureen, Hon. Onwunka, Hon. Anayo Onwuegbu, Hon. Nwobosi Joseph, Hon. Amobi Godwin, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju, Hon. Dr. Joshua Audu Gana, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, Hon. Emeka Idu, Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe
Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Godwin Offiono, Hon. Ngozi Okolie and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi.

The lawmakers called for discontinuance of the prosecution, and initiation of constructive dialogue, aimed at seeking a just political solution of the matter.

The letter read in part, "Dear Mr. President, THE NATIONAL INTEREST DRIVEN RESOLUTION BY CONCERNED FEDERAL LAWMAKERS ON THE ISSUE OF MAZI NNAMDI KANU CONTINUED DETENTION, after a closed door strategic meeting of the following federal lawmakers committed to promotion of national unity and stability; and after extensive consultations across all party lines and different ethnic groups, we hereby wrote and subscribe to this Letter to Mr. President, concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu: Driven by the abiding and urgent need for national reconciliation and healing; and Having noted the Federal Government’s open negotiations with militants and different agitating groups in different parts of Nigeria; and in view of the insecurity that has pervaded Southeast since late 2015 and which spiked since 2021; andIn the realization of the many domestic court and international tribunal pronouncements in favor of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and In the face of the growing national groundswell supporting the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and for the discontinuance of his prosecution.

"We, the within-named federal lawmakers, hereby respectfully and earnestly request our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as follows:
To, as soon as practicable, direct the Attorney-General of the Federation to exercise his constitutional powers and discontinue the prosecution of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu; and
To, pursuant to the discontinuance of the prosecution, initiate a constructive dialogue, aimed at seeking a just political solution of the matter.
We are grateful to you, our dear President, for Your Excellency’s prompt consideration of our request; and please be assured of our continuing respects for your high office."

11/14/2025

Congratulations to MAZI NNAMDI KANU as he bags the prestigious ‘Freedom Fighter’ award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Appreciations to
NANS and its cerebral & courageous president, Comrade Atiku Isah. .

11/09/2025

INTERNAL DIRECTIVES TO IPOB FAMILY MEMBERS WORLDWIDE
FROM: COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL, SPOKESPERSON/MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR (IPOB)

DATE: 9TH NOVEMBER 2025.

ATTENTION: ALL IPOB FAMILY UNITS, ZONES, COORDINATORS AND MEDIA VOLUNTEERS
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON MEDIA PROPAGANDA REGARDING COURT PROCEEDINGS OF ONYENDU MAZI NNAMDI KANU

DEAR IPOB FAMILY MEMBERS WORLDWIDE,

In the coming days, you will see news reports, social media posts, or public statements suggesting that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu “refused to defend himself” in court. This memo provides clear guidance to help you understand the facts and respond accordingly.

This is important so that our members are not confused by misinformation.

1. Key Question to Ask Anyone Making Claims
If anyone claims that Onyendu has “forfeited his right to defence,” calmly ask them one simple question:

“Please show me the exact written law under which he is being tried.”

If there is no law, there can be no valid trial. Nigerian law requires that every criminal charge must be based on an existing written law.

2. Why This Question Matters
For over two weeks in court, Onyendu repeatedly asked for the written law being used to try him. Justice Omotosho did not provide it.
The Constitution (Section 36(12)) says no person can be convicted unless the offence and penalty are clearly written in a valid law not repealed law.

3. Ask for the Required Approval from Kenya
If anyone argues further, ask them:

“Can you show me the court order or approval from Kenyan court that allowed this charge to be tried in Nigeria?”

Because Onyendu was taken from Kenya, international law and Nigeria’s own law require Kenyan approval for any charges.
This is called the double-criminality rule, and it must be satisfied before trial, not after. Ignorant people don't know this but Onyendu knows.

It is reflected in Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA).

4. About the “Savings Clause” Argument
Some may mention something called a “savings clause” to justify using a repealed law. You only need to know this simple point:

Section 36(12) of the Constitution protects this right. It cannot be removed or reduced by any court or law.

No court can convict Onyendu using a repealed or non-existent law by claiming that a savings clause exist.

5. Why Onyendu Did Not Present a Defence
It is important to understand this clearly:

If Onyendu had presented a defence before the court confirmed that a valid law exists, it would mean accepting the trial as proper.
Doing so could allow a judgment to be entered against him without resolving these constitutional issues.

He chose the lawful and correct path:
A court must show its legal basis before an accused can be required to defend themselves.

6. What Our Members Should Do
Insist they show you the written law. Facts, not emotions.
Do not engage in online arguments unless they show you the law.
Use the four questions above if you must respond.
Justice Omotosho knows that's why he ran from his own court room.
If the person cannot answer the basic question:

“Where is the written law for this charge?”

…the discussion ends there.

7. Final Reminder
Our responsibility is to stay informed and disciplined. Do not let anyone deceive you into thinking Omotosho can convict Onyendu without a subsisting law. To try that will mean the end of Nigerian judiciary as we know it.

We will continue to provide guidance as events unfold.

Thank you for your discipline and steadfastness.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL SPOKESPERSON/MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA (IPOB).

11/05/2025

KANU HAS NO VALID LIVING OR EXTANT CHARGE AGAINST HIM.
NONE. ZERO. NULLITY.
THE ENTIRE CHARGE SHEET IS A LEGAL CO**SE — REPEALED, NON-EXISTENT, AND UNAMENDED IN OPEN DEFIANCE OF A SUPREME COURT ORDER.
That is not opinion.
That is black-letter law.
That is Section 36(12) CFRN 1999.
That is the Supreme Court judgment of 15 December 2023.
That is the truth the judge refused to acknowledge today.

PLAIN ENGLISH: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED IN COURT – WITH REAL EXCHANGES
Kanu appeared in court, stood up, and represented himself. The courtroom was full, tense, and expectant.

1. Kanu: “My Lord, there is no charge before this court.”
Kanu immediately adopted his Motion on Notice filed on 30 October 2025, and said:

“My Lord, this court lacks jurisdiction. There is no charge against me that exists in any current Nigerian statute. I ask that the court strikes it out today.”

He requested a ruling immediately.

2. Judge refuses to rule, calls the application “not final.”
Justice Omotosho responded:

“This is not a final address. The court will take your motion at the appropriate stage.”

Kanu replied firmly:

“Jurisdiction is taken first, My Lord. Without a charge, there can be no stage.”

3. Kanu reads the Supreme Court judgment aloud in court
Kanu opened the certified judgment of the Supreme Court (15 Dec 2023) and read the famous paragraph of Garba JSC:

“Count 15 does not exist in the body of Nigerian laws. It is unknown to our law. The prosecution must amend it.”

He looked directly at the prosecution bench:

“You were ordered to amend it. You disobeyed. Yet you forced me to plead to a count that does NOT exist. That alone nullifies this entire proceeding.”

4. Prosecution caught flat-footed – no law cited
Kanu turned to Awomolo, SAN:

“Learned Silk, please tell this court the extant written law I allegedly broke.”

Awomolo SAN paused, shuffled his papers, and remained silent.
The court gallery murmured.

Kanu repeated slowly:

“Just one law. The name, section, and statute in force today.”

Still no answer.

5. Kanu invokes Section 36(12) – the constitutional kill-switch
Kanu:

“Section 36(12) is clear. No person shall be tried or convicted for any offence not defined in a written law. No written law = no offence = no charge = no trial = no detention. I should not be here, My Lord.”

Judge Omotosho replied:

“That provision applies at the point of conviction, not trial.”

Kanu shot back instantly:

“My Lord, respectfully, that is wrong. The moment the law dies, jurisdiction dies. The trial cannot begin. It is a nullity ab initio.”

6. Kanu cites global case law
Kanu raised his voice slightly and cited Lord Camden’s historic ruling in Entick v. Carrington (1765):

“If the offence is not found in our law books, it is not law.”

He added:

“My Lord must take judicial notice of the repeal. That is the Evidence Act, Section 122.”

Judge did not respond to the legal point.

7. Court tries to force defence to begin
Justice Omotosho:

“Mr. Kanu, are you ready to open your defence or not?”

Kanu:

“I will open my defence now — this minute — if you show me the extant law under which I am charged.”

Court fell silent.

8. Awomolo SAN attempts an attack — and fails
Awomolo SAN rose:

“He is wasting the time of the court. He should proceed to his defence.”

Kanu faced him squarely:

“Senior Advocate, you accuse me of wasting time? Produce the law. If you show it to me, I will enter the dock this second. Let the world hear it.”

Awomolo SAN sat down. Silent.

Observers whisper: “Checkmate.”

9. Kanu accuses the court of denying fair hearing
Kanu:

“This is constructive denial of fair hearing. You refuse to acknowledge the repeal of the law, refuse to obey the Supreme Court, refuse judicial notice. That is persecution, not a trial.”

Court did not challenge the statement.

Adjournment
The court adjourned to:

Wednesday, November 5, 2025
For Kanu to “enter defence or waive it.”

Kanu maintained his position: “No law, no trial.”

THE CHARGE SHEET — OFFICIAL AUTOPSY
Count Law Cited Status of Law Legal Verdict
1–6 Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act 2013 Repealed by TPPA 2022, Section 97 VOID
7 “Criminal Code Cap C45” + CEMA Cap C45 does not exist; Supreme Court ordered amendment — ignored; CEMA repealed 2023 NULLITY
No amendment.
No living law.
No jurisdiction.
No trial.

THE LAW — NO LEGALESE
Section 36(12) CFRN:
If the offence is not written in a valid law, no court can try you.

Aoko v. Fagbemi (1961):
Trying or convicting under a non-existent law = injustice.

Garba v. University of Maiduguri (1986):
Jurisdiction comes first. Without it, the entire trial collapses.

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY — IN ONE TRUTHFUL LINE
Kanu proved the charge is dead.
The court proved it does not want to admit it.

OUR DEMAND — NON-NEGOTIABLE
Obey the Supreme Court: Amend the charge or strike it out.
Respect Section 36(12): No law = immediate release.
End the charade. Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu now.
Issued by:
Onyedikachi Ifedi, Esq.
Counsel & Public Briefing Lead
Abuja, Nigeria

Compiled from direct courtroom observations, verified press reports, and real-time updates.

10/28/2025

PRESS STATEMENT
28 OCTOBER 2025

FG And UK’s AI Propaganda Confirms They Have Completely Lost The Battle Against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

The attention of the noble family of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under the supreme leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been drawn to yet another laughable piece of artificial intelligence garbage being circulated by agents of the Nigerian Government, their collaborators in the United Kingdom, and the familiar chorus of anti-Igbo media outlets, claiming that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu threatened to “wipe out Obasanjo’s lineage.” Only a regime drowning in shame would churn out such childish forgeries to deceive a semi-literate audience.

This fresh hoax follows closely on the heels of last week’s fabricated video where the same criminals made it appear as if Mazi Kanu declared himself a god who decides who lives or dies. When propaganda becomes this desperate, it can only mean one thing. The enemies of Biafra have lost the argument. They have lost the case. They have lost the moral ground. The only weapon left to them is insult to public intelligence.

For the record, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always shown respect to elder statesmen such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, and Professor Yemi Osinbajo. There has never been a single instance where he disrespected them. The attempt to tie him to an imaginary threat is a disgraceful propaganda stunt that collapses under the slightest scrutiny.

The timing of this AI fabrication is very telling. It appears the Nigerian Government and their British handlers are jittery that a respected figure like President Obasanjo may soon call for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Their solution is to rush out a poorly-edited video to poison the air before the truth overwhelms their narrative.

IPOB challenges the Nigerian Government to show the public:

The valid and extant law under which Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is being tried.
The subsisting legal charge that qualifies as an offence in Nigeria today.
If they can produce those two things, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will enter his defence immediately. Instead of answering this basic constitutional demand, they are investing in AI deepfakes and media manipulation.

This nonsense is also proof that Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court Abuja may finally be telling those behind this persecution that he cannot continue to aid their judicial rascality. If they could rely on the law, they would not be manufacturing cartoons.

IPOB reminds the world that the insecurity in the South East began after the extraordinary rendition and unlawful detention of our leader. A man held in solitary confinement for years cannot be the source of external violence. Nigerian security agencies created the chaos and now blame the victim to cover their tracks. It is a criminal logic that fools nobody.

Those spreading these forgeries must understand that IPOB cannot be swayed by propaganda, AI distortion, or media intimidation. The issues remain unchanged:

• Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally
• End the persecution of IPOB
• Respect the right to self-determination
• Allow a peaceful referendum for the Biafran people

If certain individuals prefer to remain second-class citizens in Nigeria, that is their right. They have only one vote in any referendum. Let them not drag others into servitude with them.

Nigeria should stop disgracing itself with forged videos and answer the simple question before the court. Where is the law.

COMRADE EMMA POWERFUL SPOKESPERSON/MEDIA AND PUBLICITY SECRETARY FOR IPOB.

10/28/2025

10/27/2025

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Challenges Validity of Charges, Refuses To Open Defence

Abuja | October 27, 2025

At the resumed hearing of his ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja today, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, declared before the court that he had thoroughly examined the case file and found no valid charge against him.

Nnamdi Kanu told the court that, having carefully reviewed the prosecution’s case, he was convinced that the charges lacked legal foundation and that the entire trial amounted to an unlawful process. On that basis, he stated that there would be no need for him to open any defence.

In response, Justice James Omotosho advised Kanu to file a formal written address reflecting his position and to serve the same on the prosecution team. The judge further counseled him to seek expert advice from professionals well-versed in criminal law to understand the legal implications of his chosen path.

Following the exchange, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to November 4th, 5th, and 6th, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses. During those sessions, the court is expected to determine whether the evidence and charges presented so far have established a prima facie case against the defendant or, as Kanu contends, whether the prosecution has failed to make out any case at all.

This development marks a critical turning point in the long-running trial, which has drawn national and international attention over questions of justice, due process and political persecution.

Source: Family Writers Press International