Again, court gives Nnamdi Kanu final chance to defend himself

A Federal High Court in Abuja has given detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a final chance to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or lose the right to do so.

Justice James Omotosho said it was his duty to give the defendant enough time to defend himself, noting that Kanu had so far failed to open his defence despite several opportunities.

“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed. But I am bound to give him another opportunity. If he does not, I will deem him closed,” the judge said, adding that Kanu, who is not a lawyer, will be given one last chance.

The case was adjourned till November 7.

The judge was ruling on a request by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who asked the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence after he failed to use five of the six days set aside for his case.

Awomolo told the court that Kanu had insisted he would not enter any defence, claiming there were no valid charges against him.

Earlier, Kanu, who represented himself in court, repeated his position that he would not defend himself because the charges were invalid.

Justice Omotosho also cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers to act ethically in all matters relating to the case.