Image of Nnamdi Kanu

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a final opportunity to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or risk forfeiting it.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho said it was his duty to ensure that the defendant was given enough opportunity to present his case. The judge noted that the court had already set aside six days for Kanu to conduct his defence, but five of those days had elapsed without any progress.

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s right to defence, stating that the defendant had failed to take advantage of the time allocated to him. Awomolo reminded the court that on Tuesday, the matter had been adjourned to allow Kanu to enter his defence or be deemed to have waived the right, yet he still declined to do so.

Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu maintained his stance that there was no valid charge against him and therefore no need to enter any defence. He insisted that his continued trial was unlawful, as the charges lacked legal merit.

Following the submissions, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu would be given one last opportunity to defend himself before the court proceeds to judgement. The case was adjourned for continuation of trial on a date to be communicated.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a final opportunity to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or risk forfeiting it.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho said it was his duty to ensure that the defendant was given enough opportunity to present his case. The judge noted that the court had already set aside six days for Kanu to conduct his defence, but five of those days had elapsed without any progress.

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s right to defence, stating that the defendant had failed to take advantage of the time allocated to him. Awomolo reminded the court that on Tuesday, the matter had been adjourned to allow Kanu to enter his defence or be deemed to have waived the right, yet he still declined to do so.

READ MORE: COURT THREATENS TO CLOSE NNAMDI KANU’S DEFENCE

Addressing the court from the dock, Kanu maintained his stance that there was no valid charge against him and therefore no need to enter any defence. He insisted that his continued trial was unlawful, as the charges lacked legal merit.

Following the submissions, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu would be given one last opportunity to defend himself before the court proceeds to judgement. The case was adjourned for continuation of trial on a date to be communicated.