The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to begin his defence on Friday, October 24, in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order after refusing Kanu’s request for a three-month adjournment. The judge ruled that the defendant must open his defence within 24 hours or risk forfeiting his right to do so under the law.
The decision followed Kanu’s insistence on representing himself in court, despite repeated advice from the bench to proceed with caution. The judge reminded him that the matter had been slated for an accelerated hearing, leaving no room for prolonged adjournments.
Kanu, however, maintained his challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the Federal Government was in contempt of the Court of Appeal’s earlier ruling which discharged him. He further alleged that the Terrorism Prevention Act under which he was charged had been repealed, and that the medical report declaring him fit for trial was fabricated.
“The report relied upon by this court was dated September 23, even though your order was made on September 26,” Kanu told the court. “No medical test was conducted on me — no blood or urine sample taken. The report is forged.”
He also complained that he had been denied adequate access to his legal team for almost five years and that only by the court’s mercy had he been allowed a brief meeting with his lawyers inside the courtroom.
Responding, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) dismissed Kanu’s claims as baseless and procedurally improper. “The defendant’s submissions have no bearing on the issues before the court,” Awomolo stated.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, held that Kanu’s objections could not be entertained at this stage of the trial. He emphasized that most of the issues raised had been previously determined, though the defendant remained at liberty to revisit them in his final written address.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, who appeared as amicus curiae (friend of the court), appealed for a short adjournment to allow Kanu gather his thoughts and prepare adequately. However, the judge ruled that since Kanu had opted to represent himself, it was his responsibility to make such an application formally.
“I appeal to the defendant to use the opportunity granted by this court to enter his defence or waive it if he so chooses,” Justice Omotosho advised.
Kanu reiterated that he required additional time to prepare, citing the seriousness of the charges and the need to assemble his witnesses.
Despite his plea, the court maintained its directive that Kanu must open his defence without fail on October 24.
