By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled November 20 for judgment in the terrorism trial of the detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The judge set the date on Friday after Kanu, who is representing himself, failed to open his defence within the six days allocated by the court. Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu cannot claim a violation of his constitutionally guaranteed right to a fair hearing, having declined the opportunity to present his case.
Earlier, the court had directed Kanu to either enter his defence or waive the right by November 5, following the closure of the prosecution’s case and the overruling of his no-case submission. The case had previously been adjourned on October 27 to allow Kanu to file a final written address or commence his defence.
During Friday’s proceedings, Kanu informed the court that he had not filed a final written address as ordered, instead submitting a motion and supporting affidavit. He maintained that no valid charge exists against him and demanded immediate release, asserting there is no legal basis for continuing the trial.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), challenged the validity of Kanu’s newly filed documents, describing them as improperly submitted and arguing that the defendant was attempting to waste the court’s time. Awomolo urged the court to treat the filings as Kanu’s final address and proceed to judgment.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s documents would be considered at judgment and acknowledged that, as a non-lawyer, Kanu should be allowed to consult legal counsel for support if needed.
