The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence on October 24, 2025, in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, ruled that the IPOB leader must commence his defence “without fail” on the set date or be deemed to have waived his right to do so under the law.
The directive followed Kanu’s request for a three-month adjournment to prepare for his defence after he opted to represent himself in court. However, Justice Omotosho reminded him that an accelerated trial schedule was already in place, ruling out a long adjournment.
During proceedings, Kanu once again challenged the jurisdiction of the court to continue the trial, claiming that the Federal Government was in contempt of the Court of Appeal, which had previously discharged him.
“The Federal Government is in contempt of the Court of Appeal. I have been discharged, yet detained for 14 months,” Kanu told the court.
He further alleged that the Terrorism Prevention Act under which he was being tried had been repealed, and that he had been denied adequate consultation with his lawyers throughout his detention.
Kanu also questioned the authenticity of the medical report declaring him fit to stand trial, describing it as forged, and claimed no proper medical tests were conducted. He therefore urged the court to terminate the trial immediately.
Responding, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), argued that Kanu’s submissions did not follow any valid court procedure and amounted merely to attempts to delay the trial.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, maintained that all preliminary objections would no longer be entertained at this stage, emphasizing that the court’s order stands — Kanu must open his defence.
The judge, however, noted that Kanu would still have the opportunity to raise his arguments again during his final written submissions.
At this point, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), appearing as a friend of the court, pleaded for a short adjournment to give Kanu time to prepare, but Justice Omotosho ruled that such an application could only be made personally by Kanu.
“I appeal to the defendant to make use of the opportunity given to him to enter his defence, or waive it if he wishes,” the judge stated.
Kanu maintained that he had not had enough time to prepare, citing the capital nature of the charge and the need to assemble his witnesses.
Justice Omotosho ultimately ordered that Kanu must open his defence on October 24, warning that failure to do so would amount to a forfeiture of his right to defend himself.