A Federal High Court in Abuja has cautioned Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that his right to defence will be forfeited if he fails to open his case on November 5.
Justice James Omotosho issued the warning after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, failed to begin his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s earlier dismissal of his no-case submission.
The court had previously adjourned the matter on October 27 to allow Kanu either to file his final written address or begin his defence. However, during Tuesday’s hearing, Kanu — who is representing himself — informed the court that he had not filed any final address but had instead submitted a motion with a supporting affidavit.
Kanu argued that there was no valid charge pending against him, insisting that he would not participate further in the trial and demanded his immediate release.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), opposed Kanu’s stance, urging the court not to continue indulging him. Awomolo requested that Kanu’s newly filed documents be treated as his final written address and that the court proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the documents were properly before the court and would be considered at the appropriate time. He also noted that Kanu, who is not a lawyer, should be given time to consult legal counsel.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case to November 5, warning that if Kanu fails to commence his defence, the court will deem him to have waived his right.
Kanu faces terrorism-related charges stemming from his separatist activities. Arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017, he fled Nigeria before being rearrested in 2021. He has since remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
