Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu until November 5 to enter his defence against alleged terrorism charges or forfeit his right to do so.
The ruling came after Kanu failed, for the fourth consecutive day, to begin his defence following the closure of the prosecution’s case and the court’s dismissal of his no-case submission.
Justice Omotosho warned that if Kanu does not open his defence by November 5, he will be regarded as having waived the right entirely.
The court had previously adjourned on October 27 to November 4, giving Kanu the opportunity to either file his final written address or open his defence.
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At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu, representing himself, stated that he had not filed a final written address as ordered but had instead submitted a motion and supporting affidavit.
Kanu maintained that he would not present a defence, insisting there was no valid charge under any existing law against him. He further threatened not to return to detention and demanded immediate release, arguing that no legitimate case justified his continued trial.
In response, prosecuting lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) challenged the validity of Kanu’s recently filed court documents, claiming they were improperly submitted. Awomolo urged the court to stop entertaining what he described as tactics aimed at wasting the court’s time, and suggested the documents be treated as Kanu’s final written address, after which the court could adopt final addresses and adjourn for judgment.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho confirmed that Kanu’s documents were in order and would be considered during judgment. Recognizing that Kanu is not a trained lawyer, the judge noted he should be allowed to consult legal counsel and receive necessary support.
The court was then adjourned to November 5 for Kanu to either open his defence or be deemed to have waived his right.
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