The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, a final opportunity to enter his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences. Justice James Omotosho warned that if Kanu fails to do so, his defence will be deemed closed. The judge noted that it is his duty to ensure Kanu has sufficient opportunity to present his defence, considering that Kanu is not a lawyer but an economist.
The court had allocated six days for Kanu to conduct his defence, but he has spent five of those days without entering a defence. The prosecuting lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, argued that Kanu has waived his right to defend himself and requested that the court foreclose his defence. Awomolo observed that Kanu has consistently maintained that there is no valid charge against him, and therefore he will not enter a defence. Representing himself, Kanu 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 defence, warning that failure to do so will result in his defence being deemed closed. The court adjourned until 7 November.
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—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 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 publicised and controversial case, with the Indigenous People of Biafra being a proscribed organisation in Nigeria. The court’s decision to give Kanu a final opportunity to enter his defence is a significant development, and the outcome will be closely watched. The trial is set to continue on 7 November, and it remains to be seen whether Kanu will take the opportunity to enter his defence or risk having his defence deemed closed.
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