The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, one last opportunity to defend himself in his ongoing alleged terrorism trial or forfeit that right.
At Wednesday’s resumed hearing, Justice James Omotosho said it was his duty to ensure that the defendant is given enough opportunity to present his defence before the court makes its final decision. The judge emphasized that despite the delay, the court remains committed to ensuring fair hearing in line with the principles of justice.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence, noting that the defendant had already used up five out of the six days allocated for him to present his case but had yet to make any move to do so.
Awomolo reminded the court that on Tuesday, the judge had adjourned till Wednesday for Kanu to either enter his defence or risk being considered to have waived that right. However, upon resumption, Kanu once again declined to open his defence as instructed.
The senior lawyer told the court that the defendant had repeatedly maintained there was no valid charge against him, insisting that his continued detention and trial had no legal basis. Awomolo, therefore, prayed the court to close the defence and fix a date for judgment.
Mediaplusng.com reports that Kanu, who represented himself during the proceedings, stood by his earlier position, arguing that he could not defend charges he believes to be unlawful. Speaking from the dock, the IPOB leader maintained that the charges filed against him did not meet the constitutional standard to warrant a defence.
Justice Omotosho, after listening to both sides, adjourned the case and granted Kanu what he described as the final opportunity to either present his defence or forfeit it completely.
