Court To Rule November 20 In Kanu Terrorism Trial

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 20 to deliver judgment in the terrorism trial involving Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The decision came after Kanu again failed to open his defence, despite being given several chances by the court. He had been allotted six days to conduct his defence but chose not to proceed, insisting there were no valid charges against him.

Justice Omotosho, in his ruling on Friday, said Kanu could no longer claim he was denied a fair hearing, as he had been given adequate opportunity to defend himself. The judge added that the court would now move forward to decide the case based on what has been presented.

Before then, the court had warned that if Kanu failed to begin his defence on November 5, he would be deemed to have waived his right to do so. Still, he refused to proceed, arguing that the charges against him did not exist under any Nigerian law.

Kanu Insists There’s No Valid Charge Against Him

During the proceedings, Kanu, who represented himself, told the court that he would not be entering any defence or filing a final written address as directed earlier. Instead, he submitted a motion and an affidavit claiming that the case lacked any legal foundation.

He also demanded immediate release from detention, saying there was no lawful reason to continue holding him. According to Kanu, his trial should not continue when there is no valid charge pending before the court.

Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) disagreed, describing Kanu’s latest filing as another attempt to waste the court’s time. Awomolo argued that the new documents were not properly submitted and urged the judge to consider them as his final written address so the case could move to judgment.

See also: Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Final Chance to Defend Himself or Lose Right to Do So

Judge Rules Documents In Order

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the documents filed by Kanu were acceptable and would be reviewed during judgment. He acknowledged that the defendant is not a lawyer and should be given fair room to consult with one if he wishes.

The judge then fixed November 20 as the date for judgment, signalling what could be the final stage of a case that has lasted for years and drawn national attention.

Kanu has repeatedly maintained his innocence since the trial began, rejecting all terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.