Embattled IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu in court
Federal High Court in Abuja has once again urged Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to begin his defence in the ongoing terrorism-related charges against him.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, on Tuesday cautioned Kanu about the consequences of his continued refusal to open his defence and advised him to seek proper legal guidance before the next sitting.
The development followed IPOB’s persistent claim that there is no valid charge before the court, insisting that Kanu cannot defend himself against a non-existent law.
Appearing without a lawyer, Kanu maintained that “there is no law under which I am being tried” and argued that the statute forming the basis of the terrorism charges had been repealed.
Kanu told the court:
> “My lord, the very charge upon which the entire ruling was based does not exist. Even as I came to this court today, there is no charge against me.”
He further stated that the Supreme Court, through Justice Lawal Garba, had not given effect to its own directive concerning the legality of the charges, emphasizing that the criminal code cited in his trial “no longer exists.”
However, the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), dismissed Kanu’s claims, describing the defendant’s latest filing as “a piece of paper.”
> “My lord, on Friday, we were served with a piece of paper titled motion on notice and final address of the defendant. What I was served carries no stamp of this court and no signature of any revenue collector,” Awomolo argued.
He cited Supreme Court authority, asserting that an unsigned document is legally worthless. Awomolo added that the prosecution had already addressed all ten points previously raised by Kanu — including the issues of the repealed law and extraordinary rendition — in their final written address.
He urged the court to adopt their submission and proceed toward judgment.
Justice Omotosho, however, chose to grant Kanu another adjournment, giving him time to seek expert legal advice on whether to enter his defence.
The judge reminded Kanu that the Supreme Court had returned his case for trial, not for dismissal, stressing that he still enjoys the presumption of innocence.
Describing Kanu as “a layman,” Justice Omotosho said the court was acting in the interest of fair hearing but warned that his patience had limits.
> “If you fail to open your defence on November 5, you will be deemed to have waived your right to do so,” he cautioned.
The matter was then adjourned until November 5 for Kanu to open his defence.
Recalled that the court had earlier adjourned on October 27 to allow Kanu the opportunity to either file his final written address or begin his defence.
