Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The date was set on Friday after Kanu failed to open his defence, having exhausted the six days allotted by the court for that purpose. The judge emphasized that, having not utilized the opportunity granted to him, Kanu cannot claim a denial of his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing.
Previously, Justice Omotosho had directed Kanu to either present his defence or waive his right to do so by November 5. This followed Kanu’s fourth consecutive failure to enter his defence after the prosecution closed its case and the court overruled his no-case submission.
The court had initially adjourned proceedings on October 27 until November 4, giving Kanu the chance to file a final written address or open his defence. At Friday’s proceedings, Kanu, representing himself, said he had not filed a final written address but instead submitted a motion and supporting affidavit.
Kanu stated that he would not present a defence, arguing that no valid charge exists against him under any extant law. He further demanded immediate release, claiming there is no lawful basis for his continued trial.
In response, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the validity of Kanu’s recently filed court documents, arguing that they were improperly submitted. Awomolo urged the court not to indulge the defendant, accusing him of attempting to waste court time, and requested that the documents be treated as Kanu’s final written address, with the court proceeding to judgment.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the documents were in order and would be considered at the time of judgment. The judge also noted that, as Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed to consult legal counsel and receive the necessary support.
