The Federal High Court has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to defend himself against terrorism-related charges or lose the right to do so.
The judge issued the directive after Kanu, for the fourth time, failed to enter his defence since the prosecution closed its case and the court dismissed his request for a no-case submission.
Justice James Omotosho warned that if Nnamdi Kanu does not open his defence on the next adjourned date, the court will consider him to have waived that right.
The case had earlier been postponed to November 4 for the IPOB leader to either submit his final written address or open his defence.
However, at Tuesday’s hearing, Kanu who is representing himself, told the court he had not filed any final written address but instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit.
Kanu insisted he would not present any defence, claiming that there were no valid charges against him under Nigerian law.
The IPOB leader demanded to be released immediately, arguing that his continued detention was unlawful.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to Kanu’s filings, saying they were not properly submitted and accusing him of attempting to delay proceedings.
Awomolo urged the court to treat the new documents as Kanu’s final written address, adopt both parties’ submissions, and move straight to judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s documents were valid and would be considered when judgment is being prepared.
He also noted that since Kanu is not a trained lawyer, the court would allow him time to seek legal advice and proper representation.
The judge then adjourned the case to November 5, giving Kanu one final opportunity to open his defence or forfeit his right to do so.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nnamdi Kanu had previously listed several high-profile figures as potential witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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