The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
Justice James Omotosho, who issued the directive on Monday, said the decision followed Kanu’s continued refusal — for the fourth consecutive hearing — to enter his defence after the prosecution closed its case and the court dismissed his no-case submission.
“If the defendant fails to open his defence on November 5, he will be deemed to have waived his right to do so,” the judge ruled.
The court had earlier adjourned on October 27 for Kanu to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
At Monday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court that he had not filed any final address but instead submitted a motion and supporting affidavit. He insisted that he would not enter any defence because, in his view, there was no valid charge against him under any existing Nigerian law.
“I will not go back to detention. There is no valid charge against me. I should be set free and allowed to go home,” Kanu told the court.
Responding, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the validity of the new documents filed by Kanu, arguing that they were not properly filed and that the defendant was merely attempting to stall proceedings.
Awomolo urged the court to treat the new filings as Kanu’s final written address, adopt both parties’ addresses, and adjourn for judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s documents were in order and would be considered at the judgment stage. He noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed time to seek legal advice and properly present his defence.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 5, when Kanu is expected to either open his defence or forfeit his right to do so.
