The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been granted a final, stern warning by the Federal High Court in Abuja to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial. Presiding Justice James Omotosho firmly stated that failure to do so on the next adjourned date will result in the forfeiture of his right to defend himself.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho emphasised the court’s constitutional duty to ensure the accused is not denied a fair opportunity to defend himself, despite numerous adjournments already granted.
“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed,” the Judge noted. “But I am bound to give him another opportunity. If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer, so I will give him this last opportunity.”
The Judge subsequently adjourned the matter until November 7th, stressing that any failure by Mr. Kanu to proceed on that date would be interpreted as a waiver of his right to defence.
The prosecution counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had earlier urged the court to foreclose the defence, citing the extensive time already afforded to the accused. Awomolo highlighted that Mr. Kanu had failed to utilise five of the six days previously allocated to him for presenting his case, despite a clear warning issued by the court on Tuesday.
Representing himself, Mr. Kanu maintained his stance, refusing to enter any defence and insisting there was no valid charge against him in the first place.
In a separate but related development, Justice Omotosho issued a cautionary warning to Mr. Kanu’s former lawyers namely P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu who now refer to themselves as his “consultants.”
The warning came after the prosecution complained that the lawyers had been granting frequent media interviews and making social media posts relating to the sensitive, ongoing case. The Judge cautioned them to adhere strictly to the ethics of the legal profession regarding public commentary on matters sub judice.
The trial now hangs in the balance, set to resume on November 7th, when Mr. Kanu must either commence his defence or have the court close the case for judgement.
Would you like me to track the developments of this trial and provide an update after the next court sitting on November 7th?
