Kanu gets 24-hour ultimatum to open defence in terrorism trial

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, today ordered the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to begin his defence on Friday, October 24 or lose the right to do so.

The judge held that, having elected to personally conduct his defence, Kanu must open it “without fail” or be deemed to have waived the opportunity provided by law.

The order followed Kanu’s insistence on representing himself while asking the court for a three-month adjournment to prepare.

Throughout the proceedings, Kanu restated his challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, a position Justice Omotosho said had been previously decided. The judge noted that the court would no longer entertain fresh preliminary objections at this stage.

Kanu argued that the federal government was in contempt of the Court of Appeal judgment which discharged him, and that the enabling statute under which he was being tried had been repealed. He also alleged that the medical report used to clear him for trial was forged since no blood or urine samples were collected from him, and urged the court to terminate the case.

Counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), countered that Kanu’s submissions had no place in court procedure and amounted only to entertaining the court.

A Senior Advocate, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, appearing as amicus curiae (friend of the court), prayed the court to grant a brief adjournment to enable Kanu settle down and commence his defence. Justice Omotosho held that only Kanu could make such an application, since he had taken up his own defence.

The judge advised Kanu to utilise the window given to him or be prepared to waive it. Kanu maintained he requires time to assemble witnesses and prepare adequately for a capital trial.

Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.