Nnamdi Kanu risks forfeiting defence as court issues final deadline
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has warned the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, that he risks losing his right to defend himself if he fails to open his defence on November 5, 2025, in his ongoing terrorism trial.
The warning came after Kanu once again failed to present his defence following the closure of the prosecution’s case and the court’s earlier decision overruling his no-case submission.
Justice Omotosho stated that if the defendant does not begin his defence at the next sitting, the court will consider it a waiver of his right to do so.
The case had previously been adjourned on October 27 to November 4 for Kanu to either submit his final written address or open his defence. However, during Monday’s proceedings, Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court that he had not filed any written address but had instead submitted a motion supported by an affidavit.
He maintained that he would not enter any defence, insisting that there was no valid or legally recognized charge pending against him. Kanu further demanded his immediate release, arguing that his continued detention and trial had no legal basis.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 5 for the continuation of proceedings.
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