BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Gets Final Window To Open Defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, one final opportunity to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or risk losing the right to do so.

Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Wednesday while ruling on an application by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who asked the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence after he repeatedly refused to enter one despite the prosecution having closed its case.

The judge noted that it was his duty to ensure that the defendant was given sufficient time and opportunity to present his case, but warned that the privilege would not be extended indefinitely.

“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed. But I am bound to give him another opportunity,” Justice Omotosho said.

“If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer, so I will give this last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defence, failing which he would be deemed closed,” the judge added.

The court thereafter adjourned the matter till November 7 for Kanu to either open his defence or forfeit the right to do so.

Awomolo had earlier reminded the court that Kanu had already spent five out of the six days allocated to him for his defence without making any effort to begin.

He urged the court to take note of Kanu’s continued refusal, arguing that the defendant had openly declared that he would not defend himself because he believes there is no valid charge against him.

Kanu, who represented himself, maintained his position from the dock, insisting that there was no legitimate charge before the court to warrant his being called to enter a defence.

Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers, P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu, who now describe themselves as his consultants, to conduct themselves within the bounds of professional ethics.

This followed a complaint by the prosecution that the lawyers had been granting media interviews and making subtle social media posts relating to the ongoing trial.

The consultants were present in court to observe Wednesday’s proceedings and introduced themselves accordingly.