November 05, (THEWILL) — The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, extended the deadline for detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho said the extension was granted “in the interest of justice”, warning that failure to do so would amount to forfeiture of Kanu’s right. He emphasised that the court would not shut its doors to a defendant when there still appeared room for reconsideration.
THEWILL reports that the courtroom witnessed tense moments as Kanu maintained his long-held position that he would not defend the current charges because, according to him, they were anchored on a repealed law. He insisted that the Federal Government had not complied with the Supreme Court directive to amend the charge before trial could continue.
Kanu, who was brought into court under heavy security, rejected calls to present his defence, arguing that there was nothing lawful to defend.
“There is no valid charge against me”, he told the court, maintaining that the prosecution had failed to comply with the apex court’s ruling.
Instead of opening his defence when called, Kanu spent a lengthy period addressing the court on why the charges could not stand. He argued that since the law underpinning the indictment had been repealed, any trial on its basis would be unlawful.
Kanu reiterated that the Supreme Court had made it clear that the Federal Government must amend the charge before his trial could continue, accusing the prosecution of “blatant non-compliance”. He maintained that further proceedings without amendment were unconstitutional.
Justice Omotosho urged the defendant to preserve his arguments for the appropriate stage of trial, saying the court was ready to hear all substantive legal issues. But Kanu held firm, insisting that he saw no reason to call witnesses or tender a defence in the circumstances.
At one point, Kanu appeared to shift slightly, stating that he would need to consult with his legal advisers before proceeding. He mentioned Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu as the legal consultants he intended to confer with.
The judge advised him to engage counsel versed in criminal law and procedure, noting that tactical legal decisions must be guided by practitioners experienced in criminal litigation.
Earlier, lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to enforce its earlier order compelling Kanu to open his defence or waive the right. He argued that continued delays were undermining the judicial process and frustrating justice.
Awomolo insisted that the state was ready for trial and that Kanu should not be allowed to hold the court system hostage through procedural objections already addressed by higher courts.
Despite the prosecution’s push, Justice Omotosho declined to compel Kanu immediately, instead granting a “final indulgence” to give him time to consider his next steps. He warned that there would be no further extensions beyond November 7.
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