Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The decision followed Kanu’s failure to open his defence after exhausting the six days granted to him by the court to do so.
Justice Omotosho said Kanu could not claim to have been denied a fair hearing, as he failed to utilise the opportunity given to conduct his defence. The court had earlier directed the IPOB leader to either defend the charges or waive his right to do so after the prosecution closed its case and his no-case submission was overruled.
At Thursday’s sitting, Kanu, who is representing himself, said he would not enter any defence, insisting there was no valid charge against him. He asked the court to dismiss the case and order his release, saying his continued detention is unlawful.
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Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to Kanu’s filings, arguing that the documents were irregular. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the papers would be considered at judgment, noting that the defendant, not being a lawyer, should have access to proper legal guidance.
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