In a dramatic turn of events at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has thrown his ongoing trial into a fresh legal quagmire. The courtroom was tense as Justice James Omotosho issued a firm ultimatum to the embattled leader, giving him until November 5 to open his defence or forfeit the right entirely.
This stern directive came after Kanu failed for the fourth time to present his defence, following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s earlier dismissal of his no-case submission.
However, defying the court’s order, Kanu, who is representing himself, stood his ground and launched a stunning legal counter-offensive. He vehemently questioned the very foundation of the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. In a bold declaration that stunned attendees, Kanu stated, “You cannot ask me to open my defence when you are unable to specify under which law I am being charged.”
He insisted that there was no valid charge recognized by any existing law in Nigeria and consequently demanded his immediate and unconditional release from detention.
The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), immediately objected to new documents filed by Kanu, arguing they were invalid and should be treated as his final written address, prompting the court to move to judgment. But in a pivotal ruling, Justice Omotosho overruled the prosecution, accepting the documents and noting that Kanu, as a non-lawyer, should be allowed room to consult with legal counsel. All eyes are now on the November 5 deadline.
