By Deborah Nnamdi
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5 to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
The judge issued the directive after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive sitting, failed to enter his defence following the prosecution’s decision to close its case and the court’s earlier ruling dismissing his no-case submission.
Justice Omotosho warned that if Kanu failed to open his defence at the next sitting, he would be deemed to have waived his right to defend himself. The court had earlier adjourned on October 27 for Kanu to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu—who is conducting his case without a lawyer—told the court that he had not filed his final written address as instructed but had instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit.
He insisted that there were no valid charges against him under Nigerian law and demanded his immediate release. “There is no valid charge known to any law. I should be set free and allowed to go home,” Kanu declared in court.
Responding, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that Kanu’s newly filed documents were procedurally defective and accused him of attempting to delay the trial. He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho, however, held that the documents were properly filed and would be considered at the time of judgment. He added that since Kanu is not a lawyer, the court would allow him time to consult legal counsel and prepare his defence.
The case was subsequently adjourned until November 5 for Kanu to open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right.
