A Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a final opportunity to present his defence in his ongoing trial.
Justice James Omotosho issued the directive on Wednesday after declining a request by the Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), to foreclose Kanu’s right to defence.
The judge also warned Kanu’s former lawyers—now described by him as “consultants”—against making public statements that contravene the ethics of the legal profession.
The consultants, P. A. N. Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Opara, and Mandela Umegburu, were once part of Kanu’s defence team but were dismissed on 23 October.
Justice Omotosho ordered the DSS to grant Kanu access to them to help him prepare his case for the next sitting on 7 November.
Kanu, who is representing himself, told the court he was misled into pleading to what he described as an “invalid charge” based on repealed laws. He also requested to speak privately with the judge, a request the court denied.
“The prosecution deceived me by filing a charge under laws that no longer exist,” Kanu said in court, insisting his right to a fair hearing had been violated.
Awomolo urged the court to record that Kanu had refused to open his defence and asked that the case be adjourned for judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to seek expert legal assistance, saying: “There are many who claim to understand criminal law but do not. It’s my duty to guide you properly.”
The case was adjourned until 7 November for continuation.
