Abuja Court Moves Nnamdi Kanu’s Hearing to September 26 to Consider His Request for Release

The Federal High Court in Abuja has extended the next court date for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Thursday, September 26, 2025, so it can hear his legal team’s urgent request asking the court to order his release.

Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021, is facing charges of terrorism, treason, and managing an unlawful society, all of which he denies. His lawyers recently filed a new application asking the court to release him, arguing that his continued detention is unfair and violates his rights.

Originally, the next hearing was scheduled for later in the year. But on Monday, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, the judge handling the case, agreed to bring the date forward specifically to give full attention to Kanu’s request for freedom.

This doesn’t mean Kanu will be released on that day. It simply means the court will listen to arguments from both sides, Kanu’s lawyers and the federal government’s prosecutors, and then decide what to do next.

Kanu’s legal team says he has been in detention for too long without a fair and speedy trial. They argue that keeping him locked up while the case drags on is unjust, especially since some of the charges against him have already been challenged in higher courts.

The Nigerian government, through the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney-General’s office, insists Kanu must remain in custody for national security reasons. They say releasing him could cause unrest or encourage violence.

Outside the courtroom, Kanu’s supporters, many from southeastern Nigeria, continue to demand his freedom.

For now, all eyes are on September 26.