The Real Truth About Nnamdi Kanu’s Fake “No Trial” Claim from His Supporters, By Ope Banwo

I keep hearing people shout, “If they have evidence against Nnamdi Kanu, they should try him!”

To that I say “hellloooo!! . Truth is, If you’ve actually been following this case closely — they HAVE been trying him! The real story is not that Nnamdi Kanu has been denied trial, but that he himself has been the biggest obstacle to his own trial moving forward.

Let’s look at the facts, not feelings.

🔹 First, it was Nnamdi Kanu who filed an objection to the court’s jurisdiction. That single motion dragged through the judicial system for years — moving from the High Court to the Court of Appeal and eventually to the Supreme Court.

Both sides fought it vigorously, but it was Kanu’s own appeal that kept the substantive trial frozen during that entire period.

🔹 When he finally lost that jurisdiction objection and the case returned to the trial court, the Federal Government presented its witnesses, tendered its exhibits, and closed its case.

Most people shouting on Twitter do not even realize that the prosecution has already called witnesses, tendered documents and literally tfinished its case.

🔹 What remains now is for Nnamdi Kanu to open his defence — but he has repeatedly refused or failed to do so.

Here is what has happened since the court called on him to begin his defence:

1. When it was time for him to open his defence, Kanu claimed he was too sick to stand trial. The court, acting fairly, granted an adjournment and ordered medical evaluation. After examination by independent doctors, the report confirmed that he was fit to stand trial.
2. Yet, when the matter came up again, he returned to court claiming he was still too ill. The court ruled that he was fit enough to proceed, but his lawyers still did not open the defence. Instead, they were busy organizing street protests and press conferences demanding his unconditional release.
   Then, in classic courtroom drama, he fired all his lawyers and announced he would represent himself. The court again accommodated him and gave a new date.
3. When that new date arrived, he told the court he could not open his defence because his former lawyers had not handed over his case file. Once again, the court had no choice but to adjourn the matter.

So when people say “he has been detained for years without trial,” I shake my head. What exactly do they mean?

The prosecution has already finished its case!! The delays at this stage are entirely at the instance of the defendant. So no one should cry for him . If he is innocent then let him present his rebuttal defense.

Now, to be fair and factual, I must acknowledge that the government also contributed to earlier delays in previous years through changes of judges, procedural missteps, and the slow pace of the judicial process itself. But the truth is that at this current phase of the trial, it is Nnamdi Kanu’s side that has been filing endless objections, changing lawyers, and seeking adjournments.

Those are the verifiable facts. Instead of opening hi defence, hi suppoters led by Sowore are demonstrating demanding his unconditional release. Where is that done? Release a seccessionist who has not recanted violence unconditionally?

I will always stand for fairness and due process. Every accused person deserves a fair trial within a reasonable time. But I cannot, and will never, support the unconditional release of a man who has openly and repeatedly called for the violent breakup of Nigeria.

Fair trial? Yes. I am for that 100%

Unconditional release for an unrepentant advocate of violence? ❌ Never.

Let the truth be told — loudly, clearly, and without fear.

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Ope Banwo
Mayor Of Fadeyi
Founder, Naija Lives Matter s