…as Court gives deadline to open defense
By Obasola Olatunde
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has argued that he is being tried under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he claims has been repealed.
Appearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday, Kanu maintained that there was no valid charge pending against him, insisting that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful.
The IPOB leader also accused the court of ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling which, according to him, condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and demanded his immediate release.
“In Nigeria today, the Constitution is the supreme law. There is no valid charge against me. I will not go back to detention today,” Kanu said.
Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho issued a deadline of Wednesday, November 5, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk forfeiting his right to do so.
The Judge also advised Kanu to engage legal practitioners experienced in criminal law to assist with his case, following his continued refusal to enter a defence.
Justice Omotosho, however, reminded Kanu that the Supreme Court had ordered a fresh trial, and urged him to comply with the directive to open his defence.
During the proceedings, counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to disregard certain unsigned documents filed by Kanu, arguing that they held no evidential value. The Judge disagreed, ruling that the documents were properly signed and valid within the court’s record.
After several failed attempts to persuade Kanu to proceed with his defence, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to November 5, 2025, as the final opportunity for the IPOB leader to respond to the terrorism charge.
