A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, gave Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), up till Friday, November 7, 2025 as another chance to defend himself over the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government or waive his right to do so.
However, despite the court’s directive, Nnamdi Kanu stood his ground in the open court and declared that there was no valid terrorism charges against him whatsoever and therefore has no defence to enter before the court.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, who offered Kanu another opportunity, said that he granted the fresh opportunity in the interest of justice to the defendant and to the nation.
At Wednesday’s proceedings when Kanu was called to open his defence, he outrightly faulted the charges, saying that he had nothing to defend in respect of a repealed law and addressed the court on why the charges against him cannot stand.
According to Kanu; “The Supreme Court in the judgment that ordered his trial made it abundantly clear for the federal government to amend the charge because the one against him had been repealed
“Up till now, the charge had not been amended by the prosecution thereby violating the order of the apex court,” he told the court.
Kanu further said that the refusal by the federal government to amend the charge was fatal to his trial, stressing that no trial can hold in a repealed law.
He said; “Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put in defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that”.
At a point, Justice Omotosho had to advised him on the need to keep his gun powder dry, but refused, saying; “I have not seen any reason to open defence in the instant charge”.
Later, he agreed to open up defense, adding however, that he would need to consult with his four legal consultants, namely; Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu.
Based on his new position, Justice Omotosho reemphasised the need for him to consult with legal practitioners who are conversant with criminal laws to aid his defence.
Earlier, the Counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN urged the court to stand on its order that Kanu should open defence or waive his right to do so.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that he was inclined to bend backward again to give Kanu another opportunity to have a rethink to open defence or forget it.
