Court Grants Nnamdi Kanu Last Chance To Present Defence Or Forfeit Right
A Federal High Court in Abuja has given detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a final opportunity to enter his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or forfeit the right entirely.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case on Wednesday, said it was his duty to ensure that Kanu was given every fair chance to present his defence.
“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 to put in his defence. If he does not, I will deem him closed,” the judge said.
Justice Omotosho further noted that although Kanu is not a lawyer, being an economist, the court would still give him one final chance to defend himself before adjourning the matter to November 7.
The judge was ruling on a request by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who had urged the court to close the defence after Kanu failed to use five out of the six days allocated to him.
Awomolo pointed out that the court had adjourned on Tuesday for Kanu to open his defence but that he still declined to do so on Wednesday, insisting that there was no valid charge against him.
He, therefore, asked the court to foreclose the defence and fix a date for judgment.
Kanu, representing himself in court, maintained his position that there was no legal basis for him to enter a defence, as the charges against him were invalid.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers, who now act as his consultants, to adhere strictly to professional ethics.
The warning followed a complaint by Awomolo that the lawyers — P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu — had been making public comments and social media posts about the case.
The lawyers, who were present in court, confirmed that they now serve only as consultants to Kanu.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 7 for further proceedings.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
