Court Says Kanu’s Trial Continues Nov 7

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, has again given the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu till November 7 to defend the terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.

Kanu, upon failure to do so, may end up waiving that right.

During proceedings on Wednesday, Kanu stood his ground in the open court that there are no valid terrorism charges against him and would offer no defense.

The court offered Kanu another opportunity, noting that he was granted the fresh opportunity in the interest of justice to the defendant and to the nation.

Kanu, when called to open his defence, faulted the charges, insisting that he had nothing to defend in respect of a repealed law.

Rather than responding to the business of the day, he took hours addressing the court on why the charges against him cannot stand.

Among others, he said 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his trial made it abundantly clear for the federal government to amend the charge because the one against him had been repealed.

He said that up till then the charge had not been amended by the prosecution thereby violating the order of the apex court.

Kanu persistently insisted that the refusal of the federal government to amend the charge was fatal to his trial adding that no trial can hold in a repealed law.

“Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put in defense under a repealed law. I won’t do that,” he said.

At this point, Justice Omotosho, reminded him of the need to keep his gun powder dry but declined, maintaining he has not seen any reason to open defense in the instant charge.

At a point, he agreed to open up the defense and that he would need to consult with his four legal consultants.

He named Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu as his four legal consultants to consult.

Based on this, the Judge repeated his plea to him to consult with legal practitioners conversant with criminal laws to aid his defense.