The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a final opportunity to enter his defense in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offenses. Justice James Omotosho warned that if Kanu fails to do so, his defense will be deemed closed. The judge noted that it is his duty to ensure Kanu has sufficient opportunity to present his defense, considering that he is not a lawyer but an economist.

The court had allocated six days for Kanu to conduct his defense, but he has spent five of those days without entering a defense. The prosecuting lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, argued that Kanu has waived his right to defend himself and requested that the court foreclose his defense. Awomolo observed that Kanu has consistently maintained that there is no valid charge against him, and therefore, he will not enter a defense.

Kanu, who is representing himself, addressed the court from the dock, reiterating his position that there is no valid charge against him. The judge, however, gave him a final chance to enter his defense, warning that failure to do so will result in his defense being deemed closed. The court adjourned until November 7.

Earlier, the judge cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers, who now refer to themselves as his consultants, to conduct themselves in accordance with the ethics of the legal profession. The lawyers, including P. A. N Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu, were present in court and introduced themselves as Kanu’s consultants. The prosecuting lawyer had accused them of granting media interviews and making subtle posts on social media related to the case.

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu has been a highly publicized and controversial case, with the Indigenous People of Biafra being a proscribed organization in Nigeria. The court’s decision to give Kanu a final opportunity to enter his defense is a significant development in the case, and the outcome will be closely watched. The trial is set to continue on November 7, and it remains to be seen whether Kanu will take the opportunity to enter his defense or risk having his defense deemed closed.