The Federal High Court in Abuja has again granted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, 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 given the chance to open his defence.
The IPOB leader, however, maintains that there are no valid terrorism charges against him and insists he will not defend what he considers an invalid case.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism. The prosecution closed its case on June 19, 2025, after calling five witnesses. Kanu was expected to begin his defence afterward but filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed on September 26, ruling that a prima facie case had been established.
Since then, Kanu has repeatedly refused to open his defence, citing various reasons, including claims that his former lawyers had not handed over vital documents and that the charges were based on a repealed law.
At Wednesday’s hearing, Kanu again argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he is being tried had been repealed. He told the court, “The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law.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 advised Kanu to “keep his gunpowder dry” and prepare to present his defence, but Kanu insisted he needed to consult his legal team—Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu—before proceeding.
The judge, citing the interest of justice, granted the adjournment once more, urging Kanu to seek advice from lawyers experienced in criminal law.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, had asked the court to compel Kanu to open his defence or forfeit his right to do so, but Justice Omotosho said he was willing to “bend backwards” one more time to allow the defendant another chance.
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