Tension In Abuja Court As Nnamdi Kanu Risks Sanctions For Failing To Open Defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a strong warning to the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, over his continued refusal to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, cautioned on Tuesday that if Kanu fails to commence his defence by November 5, the court will foreclose his right to do so and proceed to the next stage of the trial.

The warning followed Kanu’s failure, for the fourth consecutive sitting, to open his defence despite the prosecution having closed its case and the court dismissing his no-case submission.

Expressing frustration over the repeated delays, Justice Omotosho said the court would no longer accept excuses from the defendant.

“The defendant has been given adequate time to prepare. If by November 5 he fails to open his defence, he will be deemed to have waived his right,” the judge ruled.

Earlier, the court had adjourned proceedings on October 27 for Kanu to either file his final written address or begin his defence.

At Tuesday’s hearing, however, Kanu—who is representing himself—told the court he had not filed his written address but had instead submitted a new motion and a supporting affidavit.

He insisted that there was no valid charge pending against him, describing the trial as “a nullity.”

“I will not enter any defence because there is no valid charge known to law against me. I should not be detained any further. I want to be released immediately because there is no lawful basis for this trial,” Kanu declared.

The IPOB leader further argued that continuing the proceedings violated his constitutional rights.

Lead prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), criticised Kanu’s conduct, accusing him of deliberately delaying the trial. He described the documents recently filed by the defendant as procedurally defective, urging the court to treat them as his final written address.

“The defendant is only interested in dragging the matter endlessly. We urge the court to deem the documents he filed as his final written address and adjourn for judgment,” Awomolo submitted.

Judge Gives Final Opportunity

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s documents were properly filed and would be considered during judgment.

Recognising that Kanu is not a legal practitioner, the judge said it was necessary to grant him one last chance to seek legal counsel and prepare adequately.

“The court takes judicial notice that the defendant is not a lawyer. He is therefore given one final opportunity to consult counsel and enter his defence,” Justice Omotosho ruled.

The matter was adjourned until November 5, with the judge warning that failure by the defendant to act by that date would result in forfeiture of his right to defence.

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