A Federal High Court in Abuja has provided detained leader of the banned Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, a final chance to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, warning that if he fails to do so, the case will be considered closed.
Justice James Omotosho stated on Wednesday that it is his responsibility as a judge to ensure the defendant has ample opportunity to present his case.
“We had postponed the proceedings until today for the defendant to submit his defence or be considered as having waived that right. However, I am obligated to give him one last chance to enter his defence.
“If he does not take this opportunity, I will consider the case closed.
“I understand he is an economist and not a lawyer, so I will provide him this final chance to present his defence; otherwise, it will be deemed closed,” Justice Omotosho remarked before adjourning the case until November 7.
The judge made these comments while addressing a request from the prosecuting attorney, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who argued that the court should close the case against Kanu, who has not yet entered his defence despite having used five of the six days allocated for it.
Awomolo pointed out that the court had adjourned until Wednesday for Kanu to enter a defence or risk waiving his right to do so.
He further noted that when proceedings resumed on Wednesday, Kanu still refused to present his defence as instructed by the court.
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Awomolo urged the court to acknowledge Kanu’s stance of not entering a defence due to what he claims is the absence of a valid charge against him.
He requested the court to close the case and set a date for judgment.
Earlier, Kanu, who is representing himself, spoke from the dock,gethis belief that there is no valid charge against him that would require him to present a defence.
Additionally, in response to Awomolo’s complaints, Justice Omotosho admonished Kanu’s former lawyers, who now refer to themselves as his consultants, to adhere to the ethical standards of the legal profession.
The lawyers include P. A. N Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Opara, and Prince Mandela Umegburu.
Awomolo accused the lawyers of giving media interviews and making subtle social media posts regarding the case.
The lawyers, whom Kanu confirmed as his consultants, were present in court to observe the proceedings and introduced themselves accordingly.
