Kanu Risks Losing Right to Defence as Court Issues Final Warning

Kanu Risks Losing Right to Defence as Court Issues Final Warning

A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may foreclose the defence of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if he fails to present his case in his ongoing terrorism trial.

Justice James Omotosho issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, declined to enter a defence following the closure of the prosecution’s case and the court’s dismissal of his no-case submission.

The judge stated that if Kanu does not open his defence by November 5, he will be considered to have waived his right to do so. The court had previously adjourned the matter on October 27, giving Kanu until November 4 to either file his final written address or begin his defence.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court he had not filed a final written address as directed but had instead submitted a motion and a supporting affidavit.

He insisted that he would not enter any defence, arguing that there was no valid charge against him under existing law. He demanded immediate release, claiming continued detention was unjustified.

In response, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the validity of Kanu’s newly filed documents, asserting they were improperly submitted. He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address, allow parties to adopt their submissions, and proceed to judgment.

Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the documents were properly filed and would be considered during judgment. Acknowledging that Kanu is not a legal practitioner, the judge emphasized the need to allow him time to consult a lawyer and receive appropriate legal guidance.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 5, warning that failure to enter a defence by that date would result in forfeiture of that right.