Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Final Chance To Defend Himself.

Kanu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), one final opportunity to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before the case is closed.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, said on Wednesday that it was his duty to guide Kanu, who is not a lawyer, and to ensure he is given a fair chance to defend himself.

“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to enter his defence or be deemed closed. However, I must give him one more opportunity. If he fails to use it, I will consider his case closed,” the judge stated.

He added, “I know that he is an Economist and not a lawyer. This will be the last opportunity for the defendant to put in his defence. If he fails to do so, I will deem him closed.”

Justice Omotosho also ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu access to his former counsel, who now acts as consultant, to help him prepare for his defence, which is scheduled to open on November 7.

The decision followed an application by the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who requested that the court foreclose Kanu’s defence after he failed to utilise five out of six days earlier allocated for his case.

At the start of proceedings, the judge reminded the court that the case had been adjourned to November 5 “for two things — whether the defendant wants to get a new lawyer or proceed with his defence.”

When called upon, Kanu, who was seated in the dock, rose and said he had things to reveal that could embarrass the judiciary. He requested to meet privately with the judge and Awomolo in chambers to make his statement, but the judge refused and insisted that he speak in open court.

Justice Omotosho asked Kanu three times whether his remarks involved any allegations against the court, to which Kanu replied that they did not.

Kanu then told the court that he wished to file some documents and would need time to meet with his consultants, who were present in court. They were identified as members of his former legal team led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), including P.A.N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Opara, and Mandela Umegboru.

Ejimakor informed the court that he had prepared some documents for the defendant.

Later, Kanu produced a document from which he read arguments claiming that the charges against him were invalid, stating that they were based on laws that had been repealed.

He said, “I am being asked to enter defence. I will, but I must first know the law under which I am being tried.”

Kanu further alleged that the prosecution had violated a Supreme Court directive by failing to amend the charge. He maintained that he had not refused to enter his defence but insisted on being shown the valid law under which he was being prosecuted.

“I was deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist, which violates my right to fair hearing,” he said. When asked who deceived him, he replied, “The prosecution deceived me by filing a charge under laws that do not exist. I was duped and deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist.”

In response, Awomolo reminded the court that Kanu had once again refused to open his defence despite being ordered to do so, arguing that his conduct amounted to disobedience to a court order.

He urged the court to take note of Kanu’s refusal and foreclose his right to defence, asking that judgment be scheduled.

Justice Omotosho, however, restated that Kanu should seek the advice of an experienced criminal lawyer.

He said, “Many people claim to understand criminal procedure, but it is not something inexperienced people should dabble into. I am here to offer proper guidance, before man and God. Keep your gun powder dry.”

He advised Kanu to reserve his argument about repealed laws for the final address stage of the case.

The judge also warned Kanu’s consultants to maintain professionalism following Awomolo’s complaint that they had granted media interviews and made subtle posts on social media concerning the trial.