The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may close the defence of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after he again failed to open his defence in his terrorism trial.
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At Tuesday’s hearing, Kanu, who dismissed his legal team and is now representing himself, told the court he had no case to answer. He argued that there was no valid charge before the court and that the alleged offences were not recognised by any existing Nigerian law.
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Kanu urged the court to dismiss the case and order his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been held since 2021.
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However, the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), asked the court to reject Kanu’s claims, arguing that the documents he filed were not properly submitted and that he was only trying to delay the case. Awomolo urged the judge to treat Kanu’s recent filings as his final written address so the case could proceed to judgment.
Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling, held that the documents were valid and would be considered in his final decision. The judge noted that since Kanu was not a lawyer, the court would allow him more time to seek legal advice.
He warned, however, that if Kanu failed to open his defence at the next sitting, the court would consider his right to do so as forfeited. The case was adjourned till Wednesday for Kanu to decide whether to present his defence or have the court proceed without it.
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