The Federal High Court in Abuja has again granted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, another opportunity to defend the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, on Wednesday, gave Kanu until November 7, 2025 to open his defence or be deemed to have forfeited the right to do so.
Kanu, however, maintained in court that he would not defend the charges, arguing that the law under which he was being prosecuted had already been repealed.
“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed,” Kanu told the court. “I cannot present a defence under a repealed law. I will not do that.”
Despite being called to open his defence, Kanu spent several hours addressing the court on why, in his view, the charges could not stand.
He insisted that the Supreme Court, in an earlier ruling that ordered his trial to resume, had directed the Federal Government to amend the charges, which he said the prosecution had yet to comply with.
“The refusal of the Federal Government to amend the charge is fatal to this trial,” he said. “No trial can proceed under a law that no longer exists.”
Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to “keep his gun powder dry” and proceed with defence, but the IPOB leader declined.
At one point, Kanu indicated he would defend the charges but requested time to consult with four legal consultants Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
The presiding judge advised him to seek guidance from lawyers knowledgeable in criminal procedure, emphasizing fairness and national interest in granting the extension.
Earlier, counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had urged the court to uphold its earlier directive compelling Kanu to either open his defence or waive his right. However, Justice Omotosho opted to allow more time.
“I am inclined, once again, in the interest of justice, to give the defendant another opportunity to reconsider his stance,” the judge said.
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in custody since June 2021 following his return to Nigeria from Kenya under controversial circumstances.
