The Federal High Court in Abuja has given detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a final opportunity to enter his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
News360 Info reports that the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the warning on Wednesday, stressing that the court had already extended multiple chances to the defendant to respond to the charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho stated, “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.
“If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer, so I will give him this last opportunity to put in his defence. Failure to do so, he would be deemed closed.”
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 7 for continuation.
Prosecution Seeks To Foreclose Defendant’s Defence
Earlier, prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s right to defence after he allegedly failed to utilise five out of the six days allocated to him.
Awomolo argued that despite the court’s order for the IPOB leader to open his defence, he had refused to comply, maintaining that there was no valid charge against him.
Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu, who is representing himself after dismissing his legal team, maintained that he would not enter any defence since the charges against him were invalid.
He also insisted that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful and demanded his immediate release.
During the session, Justice Omotosho also cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers, P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu, now serving as his consultants, to conduct themselves within the bounds of professional ethics.
The warning followed a complaint by Awomolo, who accused the lawyers of granting media interviews and making social media posts about the case.
Justice Omotosho noted that while Kanu has the right to seek consultation, all parties must respect the court process and refrain from conduct that could influence the public’s perception of the ongoing proceedings.
The court adjourned the matter till November 7, warning that if Kanu fails again to open his defence, he will be deemed to have waived his right to do so, and the case will proceed toward judgment.
