Kanu Files Defence In Terrorism Case After Months Of Resistance

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has finally complied with the Federal High Court’s directive to present his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who had for months refused to open his defence, submitted his documents before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. The move follows a court order compelling him to respond formally to the allegations brought by the government.

To speed up the process, Justice Omotosho directed that the court’s registry be temporarily moved to his courtroom, allowing Kanu to file his documents without delay. The decision was aimed at removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring that the long-running case progresses swiftly.

During the hearing, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), confirmed his readiness to receive the defence papers and respond accordingly. The judge later stood down proceedings for an hour to allow Kanu’s legal team to complete the filing process.

Kanu’s submission marks a turning point in the case, which has faced repeated delays over his refusal to proceed with defence arguments. He had previously argued that the prosecution must first identify the exact terrorism law he allegedly breached before he could be compelled to defend himself.

The IPOB leader has been in custody since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, facing charges related to terrorism, incitement, and membership of a proscribed organisation. His trial has drawn national and international attention, with supporters accusing the government of political persecution, while authorities insist that he must face justice under Nigerian law.

With his defence now officially filed, the court is expected to set a new date for the continuation of trial proceedings in the coming days.