A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the proscribed separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that he risks losing the right to enter a defence if he fails to do so in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu, representing himself, failed for the fourth consecutive day to open his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s overruling of his no-case submission.
The judge said that if Kanu does not open his defence on November 5, he will be deemed to have waived that right.
The court had previously adjourned proceedings on October 27 to allow Kanu to file a final written address or begin his defence.
Kanu Refuses to Enter Defence
On resumption, Kanu told the court he had not filed any final written address as ordered but submitted a motion with an affidavit instead.
He insisted he would not enter a defence, claiming “there is no valid charge, known to any extant law, that is pending against me.”
He further demanded release from detention, arguing there was no lawful basis for continuing his trial.
Prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the validity of Kanu’s documents, saying they were improperly filed and aimed at delaying proceedings.
He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s documents would be considered at the time of judgment. He noted that Kanu is not a lawyer and should be allowed to consult one for necessary support.
Proceedings were adjourned to November 5 for Kanu to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived the right.
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