A Federal High Court in Abuja has warned the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, that he risks losing his right to defence if he fails to open his case on November 5.
Justice James Omotosho issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu failed, for the fourth time, to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial. The court had earlier overruled his no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case.
The judge stated that if Kanu refuses to open his defence at the next sitting, he would be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Kanu, who dismissed his legal team and 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 maintained that he would not present any defence, claiming there was no valid charge against him and demanding his immediate release.
However, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) faulted Kanu’s filings, arguing that they were not properly submitted and accusing him of deliberately wasting the court’s time. Awomolo urged the judge to treat Kanu’s latest documents as his final written address and proceed to judgement.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the filings were valid and would be considered at judgement. He noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he should be given another opportunity to seek legal advice before proceeding.
The case was adjourned to November 5, when Kanu is expected to either open his defence or forfeit his right to do so.
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