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 case brought against him—or be deemed to have forfeited the right entirely.
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Monday after Kanu again failed to open his defence for the fourth consecutive sitting, despite the prosecution having closed its case and the court having dismissed his no-case submission.
The judge, recalling the October 27 ruling which adjourned proceedings to November 4 for Kanu to either file his final written address or begin his defence, noted that the defendant had chosen neither option. Instead, Kanu informed the court that he had filed a fresh motion and a supporting affidavit.
Kanu, who is representing himself, insisted he would not defend the charges because, according to him, “there is no valid charge known to law” pending before the court. He demanded an immediate release, declaring he would not return to detention since, in his view, the case lacked legitimacy.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), challenged the validity of Kanu’s newly filed documents, arguing they were improperly filed and accusing the defendant of deliberately wasting the court’s time.
Awomolo urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to adopt all addresses ahead of judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho disagreed, ruling that the documents were properly filed and would be considered at the judgment stage. He added that the court had taken judicial notice of the fact that Kanu is not a lawyer and therefore deserves additional time and opportunity to consult legal counsel.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 5, with the judge warning that failure by Kanu to enter his defence on the next date would be interpreted as a waiver of his right to do so.
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