Nnamdi Kanu gets a final chance from the Abuja court to enter his defence in his terrorism trial or risk forfeiting the opportunity entirely
Nnamdi Kanu last chance defence — 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 risk being foreclosed.
Also read: Nnamdi Kanu insists there’s no case against him in terrorism trial
Justice James Omotosho issued the warning on Wednesday, stressing that while it is his duty to guide the defendant—who is not a lawyer—he would not delay proceedings indefinitely.
“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,” the judge said. “If he does not, I will deem him closed.”
The court also ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant Kanu access to his consultants—members of his former legal team—to enable him to prepare adequately for his defence, which is now scheduled to open on November 7.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had urged the court to foreclose Kanu, arguing that the defendant had wasted five of the six days allotted for his defence.
During proceedings, Kanu told the court he wanted to make a statement that could “embarrass the Judiciary” and asked to meet privately with the judge and prosecution in chambers—an application that Justice Omotosho swiftly rejected.
In open court, Kanu argued that the charge against him was invalid, claiming it was based on repealed laws and filed in breach of a Supreme Court directive.
“I was deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist,” he said, accusing the prosecution of misleading him.
Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to seek expert counsel in criminal law and warned his consultants—Aloy Ejimakor, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Maxwell Opara, and Mandela Umegburu—to maintain professional ethics after the prosecution complained of their public commentary on the case.
The judge reiterated that Kanu must either enter his defence on November 7 or lose the right to do so.
Also read: Ondo State seals $50bn investment deal for refinery, trade zone
“Keep your gunpowder dry,” Omotosho cautioned, adding that issues about repealed laws could be raised during the final address stage.
Source: Read more at iretura.com
