The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a final chance to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial. The court warned that failure to do so would mean forfeiting that right.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the warning on Wednesday, noting that although Kanu had been given several opportunities to defend himself, the court was still obligated to ensure he was not denied a fair hearing.
“We adjourned for the defendant to open his defence or risk being deemed closed,” the judge stated. “However, I am compelled to give him one last chance. If he fails to do so, I will consider his defence closed. I know he is not a lawyer, so I’ll give him this final opportunity.”
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 7, emphasizing that if Kanu refuses to proceed on that date, it will be taken as his decision to waive his right to defence.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to close the defence, noting that Kanu had failed to use five of the six days previously allotted to him. He recalled that the court had already warned Kanu to begin his defence or risk forfeiting it, but the defendant had declined to proceed.
At the hearing, Kanu, who represented himself, insisted he would not present a defence, arguing that there was no valid charge against him.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers — P.A.N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu — who now act as his “consultants,” to uphold professional ethics. This followed complaints from the prosecution that the lawyers had been making media statements and social media posts about the case.
The court warned that any further misconduct would attract consequences.
The trial is expected to resume on November 7, when Kanu will either open his defence or have the case declared closed for judgment.
