The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5, 2025, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
Justice James Omotoso, presiding over the case, issued the ultimatum on Tuesday following Kanu’s repeated refusal to proceed with his defence. The IPOB leader, who represented himself in court, maintained that no valid charge existed against him and demanded to be discharged.
Kanu argued that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful and insisted that he would not return to custody without a valid charge. He also accused the court of ignoring the Supreme Court’s judgment, which he claimed denounced his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
Referring to Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu contended that there was no extant law under which he could be tried, claiming the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed. “I cannot be tried under a law that has been repealed. Prosecuting me under such a law is a violation of my fundamental rights,” he said.
Justice Omotoso advised Kanu to either engage legal counsel familiar with criminal trials or formally appoint one before the next hearing date. Despite the judge’s efforts to encourage compliance, Kanu stood his ground, arguing the charge was “invalid and incompetent.”
The Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), pointed out that certain documents Kanu submitted were unsigned and lacked court endorsement, urging the court to ignore them and proceed to judgment. However, the judge ruled that the documents were valid and bore official court records.
The case was adjourned to November 5, giving Kanu a final opportunity to respond to the terrorism charges or waive his defence.
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