The Federal High Court in Abuja has again granted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 7 to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government or forfeit his right to do so. Justice James Omotosho gave the directive on Wednesday while …
Court Gives Kanu November 7 as Final Deadline to Defend Terrorism Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja has again granted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 7 to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government or forfeit his right to do so.
Justice James Omotosho gave the directive on Wednesday while offering Kanu another opportunity to respond to the charges, saying the decision was made in the interest of justice to both the defendant and the country.
When the matter was called, Kanu insisted there were no valid charges against him under the law, declaring that he would not defend what he described as repealed legislation.
READ ALSO: Kanu Declines to Open Defence, Insists No Case Against Him
“There is no valid terrorism charge before this court. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law,” Kanu told the court.
Kanu Defends Delays
He argued that the Supreme Court, in its earlier judgment, ordered the Federal Government to amend the existing charge before proceeding with his trial, an order he said the prosecution had ignored.
According to him, failure to comply with the apex court’s directive rendered the case defective.
READ ALSO: Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Final Chance to Open Defence in Terrorism Trial
Kanu maintained that until the charge was properly amended, no trial could lawfully continue.
Despite repeated appeals from Justice Omotosho to proceed with his defence, the IPOB leader stood his ground, saying he needed to consult with his four legal advisers, namely Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
Prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to enforce its previous order compelling Kanu to open his defence or waive his right.
However, Justice Omotosho said he would “bend backward” one more time to allow Kanu to reconsider his stance.
The judge adjourned the case to November 7 for continuation of the trial, warning that failure to act by the next sitting could mean Kanu forfeits his right to defend the charges.
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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