Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has finally obeyed the directive of the Federal High Court in Abuja to file his defence in the terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government. Kanu, who has repeatedly resisted opening his defence, was seen on Friday completing the process of filing …
Terrorism Charge: IPOB Leader Kanu Finally Obeys Court Order, Files Defence
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has finally obeyed the directive of the Federal High Court in Abuja to file his defence in the terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu, who has repeatedly resisted opening his defence, was seen on Friday completing the process of filing his legal documents inside the courtroom, following an order by Justice James Omotosho on Wednesday.
The development followed several complaints raised by Kanu regarding access to the court registry.
In response, Justice Omotosho directed that the court registry be temporarily moved into the courtroom to ensure that the filing could be properly completed.
Counsel representing the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that he was ready to receive Kanu’s defence papers and would file his response immediately after.
READ ALSO: Court Gives Kanu November 7 as Final Deadline to Defend Terrorism Charges
As of the time of this report, proceedings were briefly stood down for one hour to allow Kanu’s legal team to finalize the paperwork.
Kanu had previously declined to open his defence, insisting that the prosecution must first identify the specific provisions of the terrorism law he allegedly breached.
The case, which has drawn both local and international attention, continues to test the Nigerian judiciary’s handling of high-profile political and security-related trials.
Background to the Case
Mr Kanu, a dual Nigerian and British citizen, has been facing trial since 2015 on seven terrorism-related charges linked to his campaign for the secession of the South-east region as the Republic of Biafra.
He has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that the charges were filed under a repealed terrorism law.
The prosecution, led by the Federal Government, closed its case in June after presenting five witnesses.
Subsequently, Mr Kanu filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish any credible evidence against him.
However, in September, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, ruling that Mr Kanu had a case to answer.
Since the ruling, Mr Kanu has disengaged his legal team, informing the court of his decision to represent himself.
The court has since granted multiple adjournments to allow him to prepare his defence.
On Wednesday, he informed the judge that he would consult with his legal advisers, Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu before proceeding.
Today, he finally bowed to the court’s order by filing his defense.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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