BREAKING: Court warns Nnamdi Kanu to open defence or risk losing right in terrorism trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has warned that it may foreclose the defence of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), if he fails to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism case.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu once again refused to begin his defence, marking the fourth consecutive hearing where he declined to proceed.

The court had earlier dismissed his no-case submission and ordered him to either file his final written address or begin his defence.

Kanu, who has been representing himself after dismissing his legal team, informed the court that he had not filed a final written address but instead submitted a motion and affidavit challenging the validity of the charges against him.

“I will not enter any defence because there is no valid charge known to law pending against me,” Kanu told the court, insisting that he should be released immediately, adding, “I won’t go back to detention.”

However, prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), faulted the new filings, describing them as improperly submitted and a deliberate attempt to delay proceedings. He urged the court to treat them as Kanu’s final written address and proceed to judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho disagreed with the prosecution’s position, saying the defendant’s documents would be considered at the appropriate time. He further noted that, since Kanu is not a trained lawyer, he would be granted one final opportunity to seek legal advice and continue his defence properly.

The case was adjourned to November 5, 2025, with the judge warning that if Kanu fails to open his defence on that date, the court will regard his right as waived and may proceed to deliver judgment.

Kanu has been in custody since 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya.

His trial continues to attract both national and international attention, with ongoing debates about due process, fair hearing, and the legality of the charges brought against him.