By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5 to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him or risk forfeiting his right to defend the charges.
Justice James Omotoso issued the warning on Tuesday after Kanu again refused to enter his defence, insisting that there was no valid charge before the court. The judge advised him to either consult criminal law experts or appoint a lawyer formally to represent him.
Kanu, who represented himself, told the court he would not return to detention unless the charges were properly filed. He argued that his detention by the Department of State Services was unlawful and accused the court of ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling on his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
He claimed the terrorism law under which he is being tried had been repealed, citing Section 36(12) of the Constitution. “There is no valid charge against me. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot defend myself under a repealed law,” he said.
Kanu repeatedly urged the court to acknowledge what he described as the repeal of the law and demanded his immediate release. The judge, however, reminded him that the Supreme Court had ordered a fresh trial.
Following prolonged exchanges, Justice Omotoso adjourned the case to November 5, giving Kanu a final opportunity to present his defence.
During the hearing, counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), complained that some of the documents served on him by Kanu were unsigned and lacked evidential value. The judge overruled him, stating that the documents in the court’s record were properly signed and paid for.
