Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Till Nov 5 To Defend Terrorism Case

A Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5, 2025, to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government or forfeit his right to do so.

Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Tuesday after Kanu again refused to defend himself, insisting that there was no valid charge before the court.

The judge advised Kanu to consult lawyers experienced in criminal law to assist in his defence or formally engage a counsel to represent him.

Kanu, who appeared in person, told the court he would not return to detention unless the alleged charges were clearly presented to him. He described his continued stay in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) as unlawful, arguing that he had violated no known law.

He also accused the court of disobeying the Supreme Court’s judgment, which condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and demanded his immediate release.

Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu maintained that terrorism offences were not defined under any existing law, insisting that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of Nigeria. There is no provision for terrorism offences in it. I cannot be tried under a repealed law,” he said.

The prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to disregard Kanu’s submissions and treat his filings as irrelevant, arguing that they were not properly signed or endorsed.

However, Justice Omotosho dismissed Awomolo’s objection, noting that the court records showed the documents were duly signed and had evidence of payment.

He then adjourned the case until November 5 for Kanu to either present his defence or lose the right to do so.

Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021 after his controversial return from Kenya.