The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until Wednesday, November 5, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the directive during Tuesday’s proceedings, advising Kanu to either engage a lawyer experienced in criminal law or formally appoint legal counsel to represent him in court.
The judge’s decision followed Kanu’s persistent refusal to enter his defence. The IPOB leader maintained that there was no valid charge pending against him and argued that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful.
Representing himself in court, Kanu insisted that he would not return to DSS custody unless the charges were properly presented. He accused the court of ignoring a previous Supreme Court ruling, which, according to him, condemned his “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya. Kanu demanded his immediate release from custody.
When reminded that the Supreme Court had ordered a fresh trial, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charge was invalid and incompetent. Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, he argued that there was no existing law establishing a terrorism offence in Nigeria.
“In Nigeria today, the Constitution is the supreme law. There is no valid charge against me. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot defend myself under a repealed law,” Kanu stated.
He challenged any lawyer to present a valid charge against him and urged the court to take judicial notice of what he claimed was the repeal of the terrorism law.
“Prosecuting me under a repealed law violates my fundamental rights,” he added.
Following multiple warnings, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 5, 2025, giving Kanu a final opportunity to open his defence or lose the right to do so.
During the session, counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to documents filed by Kanu, claiming they were unsigned and not endorsed by the court, rendering them invalid as evidence. He urged the judge to disregard them and to adopt his final address in preparation for judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the objection, noting that the documents in question were properly signed and bore proof of payment.
Advertisement
