The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has questioned the legal foundation of the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
This came after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court granted him until November 5 to open his defence or risk waiving his right to do so.
Court Orders Kanu to Open Defence
Justice Omotosho issued the directive after Kanu failed, for the fourth time, to open his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s rejection of his no-case submission.
The judge said if Kanu fails to defend himself by the adjourned date, he would be deemed to have forfeited his right to do so. The court had earlier, on October 27, adjourned for the defendant to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
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Kanu Rejects Charges, Says They Lack Legal Backing
During the latest hearing, Kanu, who is representing himself, said he would not proceed with any defence because there was no valid charge recognised under any existing law.
He told the court that he had filed a motion and supporting affidavit instead of a final written address. Kanu also demanded immediate release, insisting there was no lawful reason to continue his trial.
“You cannot ask me to open my defence when you are unable to specify under which law I am being charged,” Kanu said.
Prosecution Objects, Court Rules on Documents
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), challenged the validity of the new documents filed by Kanu, saying they were not properly submitted.
He urged the court to consider them as Kanu’s final written address and move to judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the documents were in order and would be reviewed at the judgment stage. He also noted that Kanu, not being a lawyer, should be given room to consult legal counsel.
The case was subsequently adjourned until November 5, when Kanu is expected to either present his defence or be deemed to have waived his right.
