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 ongoing terrorism case or risk losing his right to do so.
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, failed to begin his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s dismissal of his no-case submission.
The judge stated that the court had previously adjourned on October 27 for Kanu to either file his final written address or commence his defence but that he had yet to comply.
At Monday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court he had not filed a final written address as directed but instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit.
He maintained that he would not enter any defence because, in his view, there was no valid charge pending against him under any existing law.
Kanu insisted that he should be released immediately, declaring that he would no longer return to detention since, according to him, the charges were invalid.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to the documents filed by Kanu, describing them as procedurally defective and accusing the IPOB leader of attempting to delay proceedings.
Awomolo urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address, adopt the parties’ submissions, and fix a date for judgment.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that Kanu’s recent filings were properly before the court and would be considered at the point of judgment.
The judge also noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be granted the opportunity to consult legal counsel before proceeding.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to November 5 for Kanu to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
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