The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, one last opportunity to defend himself against the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, on Wednesday, adjourned the case to November 7 for Kanu to open his defence as previously ordered. The judge cautioned that failure to do so on the next adjourned date would result in the court closing his defence.
Justice Omotosho said the decision was guided by the principles of justice, which require that every defendant be given sufficient time and opportunity to present their case.
“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed. But I am bound to give him another opportunity,” the judge stated. “If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer, so I will give this last opportunity.”
Kanu, who has chosen to represent himself after disengaging his legal team, reiterated his stance that he had no case to answer. Addressing the court from the dock, he argued that the charges against him were invalid, claiming they were based on a “repealed and non-existent law.”
According to him, the Supreme Court had ordered the Federal Government to amend the charges, but it failed to do so.
“Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put in a defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that,” Kanu insisted.
However, prosecuting counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to close the defence, arguing that Kanu had wasted five out of the six days allocated for his case. He said Kanu’s repeated claims about the validity of the charges showed he was unwilling to proceed with his defence.
Awomolo asked the court to order parties to submit their final written addresses, paving the way for judgment.
Justice Omotosho, however, declined the request and granted Kanu’s plea to consult with four of his former lawyers — Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu — to assist him. The judge cautioned the lawyers against discussing court proceedings with the media following complaints by the prosecution about previous prejudicial comments made online.
It will be recalled that on October 24, the court ordered Kanu to open his defence. Although he initially listed 23 witnesses — including sitting governors, ministers, and former security chiefs — Kanu later abandoned that plan and requested 90 days to allow them to appear, which was not granted.
The IPOB leader, who has been in detention since 2021, continues to maintain that the charges against him are defective and cannot stand under Nigerian law.
