The Federal High Court in Abuja has again urged Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to present his defence in the ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences. Justice James Omotosho warned that Kanu’s continued refusal to open his defence could have serious implications and advised him to consult legal experts for guidance.
Kanu, who is representing himself, maintains that no valid charge exists against him because the law under which he is being tried has been repealed. He cited a Supreme Court directive that declared the criminal code—under which he faces prosecution—no longer in force. Kanu also argued that the court’s ruling on his no‑case submission failed to mention the repealed Terrorism Act.
The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, told the court that it had received Kanu’s motion on notice, describing it as “a piece of paper” lacking the required court stamp and signature. Awomolo noted that, according to the Supreme Court, an unsigned document has no legal effect. The prosecution had already addressed all ten points raised by Kanu—including the issues of the repealed law and extraordinary rendition—in its final written address.
Justice Omotosho indicated his willingness to grant an adjournment so that Kanu could seek legal advice on entering his defence. He emphasized that if the Supreme Court had intended Kanu not to stand trial, it would not have returned his file for retrial. While Kanu remains presumed innocent, the judge described him as a layperson and said he would be given another opportunity in the interest of a fair hearing. However, the judge warned that failure to open his defence by 5 November will be taken as a waiver of that right.
The matter has therefore been adjourned until 5 November for Kanu to present his defence. This development is the latest in a series of adjournments and legal debates that have marked the trial, which carries significant implications for the IPOB leader and the broader discussion of separatist movements in Nigeria.
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