The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, until November 7, 2025, to defend the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government or risk losing his right to do so.
During Wednesday’s court session as revealed by Galaxy TV, Kanu insisted that there were no valid terrorism charges against him and refused to present any defense. He argued that the charges were based on a repealed law, making them invalid.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, said the court decided to grant Kanu another opportunity in the interest of justice and fairness both to him and the nation.
When asked to open his defense, Kanu instead spent hours addressing the court, explaining why the current charges could not stand. He referred to a Supreme Court judgment, which had ordered the Federal Government to amend the charges before continuing the trial.
According to him, the government had failed to comply with that directive, thereby violating the apex court’s order.
Kanu maintained that “no valid trial can take place under a repealed law,” stressing that the government’s failure to update the charges made the ongoing trial illegal.
At one point, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to “keep his gunpowder dry” and focus on his defense, but Kanu declined, saying he still saw no reason to defend himself against invalid charges.
Later, he agreed to prepare for his defense but said he would need to consult with his four legal advisers, Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu before proceeding.
The judge encouraged Kanu to seek advice from lawyers who specialize in criminal law to properly guide his defense.
Earlier in the hearing, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to stand by its earlier order that Kanu should either open his defense or forfeit his right to do so.
However, Justice Omotosho said he was willing to “bend backward once again” to give Kanu more time to reconsider his stance before the next court date.
The case was adjourned to November 7, when Kanu is expected to decide whether he will defend himself against the charges or not.