The leader of the Biafra nation agitators, Nnamdi Kanu, pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges during his fresh arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

Appearing before Justice James Kolawole Omotosho under heavy security provided by the Department of State Services (DSS), Kanu denied all seven charges against him, including allegations of threatening Nigeria’s corporate existence and operating an illegal radio station.

Federal government counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, requested an adjournment to assemble witnesses and sought an accelerated hearing. With no objections from Kanu’s defense team, led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, Justice Omotosho scheduled the trial for April 29, May 2, and May 6, 2025.

Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in June 2021 and has been in DSS custody since, agreed to a speedy trial.

His case was recently reassigned from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice Omotosho following Kanu’s request for a new judge, citing bias concerns. Justice Nyako had previously recused herself from the trial in September 2024.

Unlike in previous proceedings, Kanu appeared calm throughout the arraignment.