NNAMDI KANU’S LEGAL SHOWDOWN: A RACE AGAINST TIME FOR JUSTICE

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With tensions mounting, activist Chidera has called on President Tinubu’s administration to swiftly initiate peaceful negotiations before midnight on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Failure to do so, he warns, could result in explosive revelations exposing deep-rooted corruption, systemic failures, and judicial injustices in Nigeria.

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In a powerful statement released in Abuja over the weekend, Kanu’s case was described as a glaring testament to the fragility of Nigeria’s legal system, particularly in cases involving the pursuit of justice and self-determination.

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A major contention is the government’s reliance on an outdated law—the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act of 2013—which is no longer in force. According to the statement, Nigeria’s courts have no jurisdiction to prosecute Kanu under a repealed statute, and any attempt to do so violates his constitutional rights, including protection from retroactive prosecution.

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“The prosecution’s attempt to invoke Section 98(3) of the TPPA 2022—arguing for the continuation of proceedings—does not hold water,” the statement argued. “A de novo trial means starting afresh, not reviving a legally extinct case. Any effort to do otherwise is not only legally flawed but invites widespread ridicule and condemnation, both locally and internationally.”

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In a dramatic twist, Kanu is set to take up his own defense on March 21, 2025—a move that could redefine the course of his trial. His ability to secure the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, despite resistance, and to involve the Chief Justice of Nigeria demonstrates his strategic legal acumen and unwavering resolve.

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If Kanu indeed represents himself, the prosecution will face not just a skilled legal opponent but also a figure who commands the loyalty and passion of millions. This trial is shaping up to be more than just a legal battle—it’s a defining moment in Nigeria’s justice system.