Nnamdi Kanu risks losing right to defence as court issues final warning
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday gave Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a final chance to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or forfeit the opportunity.
Presiding Judge Justice James Omotosho said it was his duty to ensure the defendant received a fair chance to respond to the charges but noted that the court’s patience was running out.
“Today was set aside for the defendant to open his defence or be considered to have closed it,” Omotosho said.
“However, in the interest of justice, I will allow one more chance. If he fails to act, I will deem the defence closed. I know he is not a lawyer but an economist, so I will grant this final opportunity.”
The judge adjourned the case until November 7, warning that no further delays would be accepted.
The decision followed an application by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, counsel for the prosecution, who asked the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence.
Awomolo argued that the defendant had already used five of the six days allocated for his defence and had repeatedly refused to proceed.
He noted that the court had earlier directed Kanu to enter his defence or lose the right to do so. Yet, at Wednesday’s hearing, the IPOB leader again declined, maintaining that there were no valid charges against him.
The prosecution therefore urged the court to consider his refusal as a waiver and set a date for judgment.
Representing himself, Kanu told the court from the dock that he would not present any defence because, in his view, the charges lacked validity.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers now acting as his “consultants”to conduct themselves professionally.
The warning followed a complaint by Awomolo that they had been granting media interviews and commenting publicly on the case.
Those affected include P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu.
Kanu confirmed in court that they attended the proceedings in an advisory capacity.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021, following his rendition from Kenya.
