The Federal High Court in Abuja has given Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, twenty-four hours to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial — or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
The directive came from Justice James Omotosho, who adjourned the case until Wednesday, urging Kanu to either proceed with his defence or formally state his position.
Justice Omotosho also advised the IPOB leader to seek legal assistance from experts in criminal law, after Kanu once again insisted that the charges against him were invalid and that he would not defend himself under what he called a “nonexistent law.”
Kanu, who has chosen to represent himself after dismissing his legal team, argued that there is no valid terrorism law under which he can be tried, claiming that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed.
He told the court, “I cannot be tried under a repealed law. There is no valid charge against me, and I will not return to detention until I am shown one.”
But government counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), maintained that the documents Kanu relied on had no legal weight, urging the court to dismiss them and move to judgment.
Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the documents were properly filed and recorded, then adjourned for Kanu to either begin his defence or waive his right entirely.
The case, which dates back to 2015, revolves around seven terrorism-related charges linked to Kanu’s campaign for the secession of the South-East region under the banner of the now-proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Nnamdi Kanu, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, continues to deny any wrongdoing, insisting his activism is rooted in the right to self-determination.
Proceedings are expected to continue on Wednesday, with observers watching closely to see whether Kanu will open his defence — or stand by his claim that the charges against him have no legal basis.
