Abuja: The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again urged Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to enter his defence in the ongoing alleged terrorism offences. Justice James Omotosho advised Kanu to seek legal counsel regarding the implications of his continued refusal to open his defence.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kanu maintains that there are no valid charges against him to warrant a defence. He argues that the law under which he is being tried is repealed and that the Supreme Court’s directive, as communicated through Justice Lawal Garba, has not been implemented in his case. Kanu contends that the criminal code cited does not exist and claims that the charge upon which the ruling was based is invalid.
The prosecution, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that they received Kanu’s motion on notice, which he described as an unendorsed document lacking legal validity. Awomolo stated that the prosecution had addressed all points raised by Kanu, including issues related to the repealed law and extraordinary rendition, in their final written address. The prosecution expressed readiness to adopt their final address to facilitate an adjournment for judgment.
Justice Omotosho expressed a willingness to grant Kanu an adjournment to consult legal experts about his need to enter a defence. The judge highlighted that if the Supreme Court intended for Kanu to avoid trial, it would not have remanded the case for retrial. The judge emphasized that Kanu is presumed innocent until proven otherwise and granted him another opportunity to ensure a fair hearing. However, Omotosho warned that Kanu’s defence would be foreclosed if he fails to present it by November 5, effectively waiving his right to do so.
The court has adjourned the matter until November 5, providing Kanu with a final opportunity to open his defence. Justice Omotosho had previously adjourned the case on October 27, setting a deadline for Kanu to submit his final written address or commence his defence by November 4.