The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday agreed to consult his legal advisers before opening his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, made the suggestion after Kanu repeatedly insisted that the seven-count terrorism charge against him was invalid.
Although he had initially refused to proceed with his defence, Kanu later told the court he would confer with his legal team, which includes Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
Following the development, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 7, marking the fourth time the IPOB leader has been given an opportunity to open his defence or formally waive his right to do so.
Kanu had in October dismissed his legal team, previously led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), opting to represent himself. He had earlier submitted a list of 23 witnesses he intended to call, including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, the separatist leader later made a U-turn, arguing that the charges against him were invalid and unknown to Nigerian law.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Kanu maintained the same stance, insisting there was no valid terrorism charge against him because the law under which he was being tried had been repealed.
“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law,” he told the court.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to enforce its earlier order requiring Kanu to either open his defence or waive his right, following the closure of the Federal Government’s case on June 19, 2025 after calling five witnesses.
Justice Omotosho, however, said the court would once again “bend backward” in the interest of justice to allow Kanu consult lawyers knowledgeable in criminal law before proceeding.
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