The Abuja court gives Nnamdi Kanu trial one last opportunity to defend terrorism charges or lose his right to do so on November 7.
The Nnamdi Kanu trial has taken another dramatic turn as the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a final opportunity to defend himself against the terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the matter, adjourned the case to November 7, warning that if the defendant failed to present his defence, he would waive his right to do so permanently.
The judge emphasized that the court had shown repeated leniency and would not tolerate any further delay in the Nnamdi Kanu trial.
During the latest hearing on November 5, Kanu, dressed in his usual white outfit, reiterated his claim that the case lacked legal validity.
He argued that the terrorism charges against him were based on a repealed law and insisted that the Federal Government had disobeyed a Supreme Court order requiring it to amend the charge before proceeding with the Nnamdi Kanu trial.
Kanu maintained that no court could lawfully try him under an obsolete legal framework.
“The Supreme Court directed that the charge be amended, but the government ignored that order,” he told the judge. “A trial cannot proceed under a repealed law.”
Justice Omotosho, while acknowledging his argument, advised him to remain calm and focus on his defence.
“You must keep your gunpowder dry,” the judge said, implying that Kanu should prepare his case instead of continuously contesting the charge’s legality.
However, Kanu insisted there was “nothing to defend” and told the court he needed to consult his legal team, including Aloy Ejimakor, Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu, before taking any further steps in the Nnamdi Kanu trial.
Earlier, government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to enforce its earlier order directing Kanu to open his defence or lose the right to do so.
Awomolo argued that the Nnamdi Kanu trial had dragged on due to the defendant’s continuous objections, insisting that justice must be served promptly.
Despite this appeal, Justice Omotosho granted one last extension, saying the court would “bend backward again” to give Kanu another opportunity to reconsider his decision.
“This will be the final window,” he stated firmly, cautioning that failure to defend on the next date would lead to the forfeiture of his defence rights.
Before adjourning, the judge also issued a warning to Kanu’s former lawyers—now acting as consultants—about their frequent use of social media to discuss the ongoing proceedings.
Justice Omotosho cautioned them to maintain professionalism and avoid comments that might prejudice the Nnamdi Kanu trial.
Observers described the hearing as one of the most critical moments in the long-running legal battle that has captivated national attention.
The next sitting on November 7 is expected to determine whether Kanu will finally open his defence or remain adamant about the invalidity of the charges.
The Nnamdi Kanu trial has become a symbol of the broader debate over justice, constitutional rights, and national security in Nigeria.
For Kanu’s supporters, the trial represents political persecution, while the government views it as a necessary response to alleged actions threatening public peace and unity.
As the nation awaits the next court date, attention remains fixed on whether the IPOB leader will change his stance or risk losing the legal opportunity to defend himself.
More news at ireport247news
