The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to defend himself against terrorism charges or lose his right to do so.
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive after Kanu, for the fourth time, failed to open his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s rejection of his no-case submission.
The judge warned that if Kanu does not open his defence on the next adjourned date, the court will consider him to have forfeited his right to defend himself.
The matter was earlier adjourned on October 27 to November 4 for Kanu to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court that he had not filed any final written address as instructed, but had instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit. He maintained that he would not present any defence, insisting there was no valid or legal charge pending against him.
Kanu further demanded to be released immediately, claiming that there was no lawful basis for his continued detention or trial.
In response, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) described Kanu’s recent filings as defective and improperly submitted. He urged the court to stop indulging the defendant, whom he accused of deliberately wasting the court’s time.
Awomolo also requested that the documents Kanu filed be treated as his final written address and that the court should order parties to adopt their addresses and proceed to judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s filings were valid and would be considered during judgment. He noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed to seek legal counsel and obtain proper guidance.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 5 for Kanu to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
