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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, the proscribed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a final chance to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu must enter his defence or risk being foreclosed, after Kanu repeatedly refused to do so, citing lack of valid charges.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho said it was his duty as a judge in the case to accord the defendant sufficient opportunity to put in his defence.
The judge spoke while delivering judgment on an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, that the court should foreclose Kanu, who failed to enter his defence having spent five out of the six days the court granted him to conduct his defence.
Awomolo had noted that the court had on Tuesday, adjourned till Wednesday for Kanu to enter a defence in his trial or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.
He further noted that at the resumption of proceedings on Wednesday, Kanu still declined to open his defence as ordered by the court.
Awomolo urged the court to take note of the defendant’s position that he would not enter any defence because there is no valid charge against him.
He then prayed the court to foreclose the defendant and adjourn for judgment.
Earlier, Kanu, who represented himself, addressed the court from the dock.
He reiterated his position that there is no valid charge against him to warrant his being called to enter a defence.
