The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that his right to defence may be foreclosed if he fails to open his case in his ongoing terrorism trial.
The warning was issued by Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday after Kanu again refused to commence his defence, marking the fourth consecutive sitting he declined to proceed.
The court had earlier dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission and directed him to either file his final written address or begin his defence. However, during the resumed hearing, Kanu, who is representing himself after dismissing his legal team, told the court that he had not filed any final written address but had instead submitted a motion and affidavit challenging the validity of the charges against him.
“I will not enter any defence because there is no valid charge known to law pending against me,” Kanu stated. He further insisted on his release, declaring, “I won’t go back to detention.”
Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) objected to Kanu’s filings, describing them as incompetent and a deliberate ploy to delay the proceedings. He urged the court to treat the documents as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho disagreed with the prosecution, ruling that the documents would be addressed at the appropriate stage. He acknowledged that Kanu is not a trained lawyer and granted him one final opportunity to seek professional legal advice and proceed accordingly.
The judge then adjourned the matter to November 5, 2025, warning that if Kanu fails to open his defence on the next date, the court will consider him to have waived his right and may move ahead with judgment.
Kanu has remained in detention since 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya, a development that has drawn widespread national and international attention. His trial continues to fuel debates over due process, fair hearing, and the legality of the charges brought against him.
