Justice James Omotosho has given IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu until November 5 to present his defense in his terrorism trial.
The judge warned he would forfeit that right if he fails to do so.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5 to present his defense in the terrorism case filed against him or lose the right to do so.
The judge urged Kanu to seek the assistance of a qualified lawyer familiar with criminal law to properly defend his case or appoint one to represent him if he prefers not to do it personally.
The directive came after Kanu repeatedly refused to enter his defense, claiming that there were no valid charges against him. Appearing in court on Tuesday, Kanu represented himself and told the judge that he would not return to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) until the charges were made clear to him. He argued that his continued detention was unlawful, saying he had not violated any known law.
Kanu further accused the court of disobeying the Supreme Court judgment, which, according to him, condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He demanded an immediate discharge from the case, insisting that the proceedings violated his constitutional rights.
When the judge reminded him that the Supreme Court had ordered a retrial, Kanu maintained that the terrorism charge was invalid and unconstitutional. He cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, claiming there is no current written law defining terrorism in Nigeria, and therefore, nothing for him to defend.
After several attempts to convince Kanu failed, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to November 5 to give him a final opportunity to enter his defense or waive his right.
During Tuesday’s session, the government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to certain documents Kanu submitted, arguing that they were unsigned and lacked legal value. He asked the court to disregard them and proceed to judgment. However, the judge ruled that the documents were properly filed and contained proof of payment, dismissing the objection.
The case will resume on November 5 for further proceedings.
