Judge Tells Nnamdi Kanu to Defend Himself or Forfeit Right
TEC News| Abuja | 4th November , 2025.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday gave the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu, until Wednesday, November 5, to defend the terrorism charges brought against him or lose his right to do so.
Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho advised Kanu to consult a lawyer experienced in criminal law or formally appoint one to represent him in the ongoing trial.
The directive came after Kanu again refused to open his defence, insisting that no valid charge was pending against him. Representing himself in court, Kanu argued that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) was unlawful and that the charges lacked legal backing.
He further maintained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he was charged had been repealed, contending that no existing law in Nigeria currently defines terrorism as an offence.
> “In Nigeria today, the Constitution is the supreme law. There is no valid charge against me. I will not go back to detention today. The Terrorism Act has been repealed. I cannot defend myself under a repealed law,” Kanu declared in court.
He also accused the trial court of disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgement that condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya, and demanded to be immediately discharged from custody.
However, when reminded that the apex court ordered a fresh trial, Kanu stood his ground, arguing that the charge remained “invalid and incompetent.”
During proceedings, counsel for the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), objected to documents filed by Kanu, claiming they were unsigned and not endorsed by the court. Justice Omotosho, however, overruled the objection, confirming that the documents were properly filed and contained proof of payment.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until Wednesday, warning that failure by Kanu to open his defence would result in forfeiture of his right to do so.
