You Have Till November 5 to Defend Terrorism Charges or Lose Right, Court Tells Nnamdi Kanu

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5, 2025, to open his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk forfeiting his right to do so.

The court issued the ultimatum after Kanu, who is representing himself, failed for the fourth consecutive day to enter his defence following the closure of the prosecution’s case and the court’s earlier dismissal of his no-case submission.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu told the court that he had not filed his final written address as ordered but had instead filed a motion supported by an affidavit. He insisted that he would not enter any defence, arguing that there was “no valid charge known to any extant law” pending against him.

Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that the matter had moved beyond preliminary objections and directed that the IPOB leader must either open his defence or lose the right to do so at the next adjourned sitting.

The judge was said to have stressed that the trial had lingered for too long and warned against further delays.

Earlier, Kanu had dismissed his legal team and opted to conduct his defence personally, a decision that has drawn both concern and criticism.

Despite the court’s repeated explanations of the trial procedures, the IPOB leader has maintained that the charges lack legal merit.

The Federal Government is prosecuting Kanu on multiple counts bordering on terrorism, incitement, and unlawful activities, all linked to his alleged role in the activities of the separatist movement.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to November 5, warning that failure by Kanu to comply with the court’s directive would result in the foreclosure of his defence and possible progression to judgment.