The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a final chance to defend himself against terrorism charges. Justice James Omotosho warned Kanu that if he fails to open his defense on November 5, he risks forfeiting his right to do so.
Kanu, who has been representing himself after dismissing his legal team, maintains that there is no valid charge against him and has demanded his immediate release from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.
Kanu argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he is being tried has been repealed and therefore, the charges against him are invalid. He also cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, stating that there is no written law establishing terrorism as an offense in Nigeria.
The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, countered that the issues raised by Kanu had already been addressed in the charges and urged the court to proceed with the trial.
The judge appealed to Kanu to seek legal advice on the validity of the law under which he is charged and to enter his defense.
Kanu, however, accused the court of trying to “stampede” him into entering a defense and insisted that he would not return to detention. The court has adjourned the case to November 5, 2025, for Kanu to open his defense or have it deemed waived.
