Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), until November 5 to defend the terrorism charges against him or risk waiving his right to do so.
The judge issued the directive after Nnamdi Kanu once again failed to enter his defence, despite the prosecution having closed its case and the court overruling his no-case submission.
Justice Omotosho stated that if Kanu fails to open his defence on November 5, the court will consider his right to do so as waived.
The court had previously adjourned the case to November 4 for Kanu to either file his final written address or open his defence.
At the resumed proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, informed the court that he had not filed a final written address but had instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit.
Nnamdi Kanu insisted that he would not enter any defence, arguing that there was “no valid charge, known to any extant law,” pending against him. He demanded to be released immediately, claiming there was no lawful basis for his continued detention or trial.
Responding, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), challenged the competence of Kanu’s new filings, arguing that they were not properly submitted. He urged the court to stop indulging the defendant, claiming Kanu was only attempting to waste time.
Awomolo requested that the court treat Kanu’s recent filings as his final written address, allow both parties to adopt their addresses, and set a date for judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s documents were properly filed and would be considered at the time of judgment.
He noted that sinceNnamdi Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be allowed an opportunity to consult legal counsel for proper guidance.
The judge then adjourned the case until November 5 for Kanu to either present his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
