The Federal High Court in Abuja has once again granted Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), another opportunity to defend himself against terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, adjourned proceedings to November 7, marking the fourth time Kanu has been allowed to open his defence.
Despite this, Kanu continues to maintain that there are no valid terrorism charges against him and has refused to defend what he considers an invalid case. He faces a seven-count terrorism-related charge. The prosecution concluded its case on June 19, 2025, after presenting five witnesses. Kanu was expected to start his defence but filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed on September 26, ruling that a prima facie case had been established.
Kanu has repeatedly declined to open his defence, citing reasons such as his former lawyers not handing over key documents and claiming the charges are based on a repealed law. At Wednesday’s hearing, he argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he is being tried had been repealed, saying, “The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that.”
Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to “keep his gunpowder dry” and prepare to present his defence, but the IPOB leader insisted he needed to consult with his legal team—Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu—before proceeding.
Citing the interest of justice, the judge granted the adjournment again, emphasizing the importance of consulting lawyers experienced in criminal law. Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, had requested that the court compel Kanu to open his defence or forfeit his right to do so, but Justice Omotosho said he was willing to “bend backwards” once more to give Kanu another chance.
