Court Warns Nnamdi Kanu Over Delayed Defence in Terrorism Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may close the defence of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if he fails to open his case at the next adjourned date.

This comes as Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, declined to begin his defence in the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government.

At Tuesday’s resumed hearing, Kanu — who is representing himself after dismissing his legal team — maintained that he had no case to answer, insisting that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

He argued that since there was “no valid charge” before the court, there was no legal basis for him to present a defence or exchange written addresses with the prosecution.

“In the absence of a valid charge, there is no legal basis for me to either open my defence or file a final written address,” Kanu stated, urging the court to take judicial notice of his motion challenging its jurisdiction.

He also sought an order for his immediate release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been detained since 2021.

However, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, counsel for the Federal Government, objected to Kanu’s position, arguing that the documents filed by the defendant were “incompetent and improperly filed.”

Awomolo urged the court not to further indulge Kanu, accusing him of deliberately wasting judicial time, and prayed the court to deem the documents as his final written address so judgment could be delivered.

In a short ruling, Justice James Omotosho dismissed the prosecution’s objection, holding that Kanu’s filings were valid and would be considered in the final judgment.

The judge, however, noted that Kanu was not a trained lawyer, and in the interest of justice, would be given one last opportunity to consult a legal practitioner.

Justice Omotosho warned that if the IPOB leader failed to open his defence within the allotted time, the court would foreclose his right to do so and proceed to judgment.

The case was adjourned until Wednesday for Kanu to either present his defence or risk having the matter decided without it.

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