The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for Biafra activist Nnamdi Kanu to commence his defense in a terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho set the date for October 24, emphasizing that Kanu must open his defense on that date or risk waiving his legal opportunity to do so.
This ruling follows Kanu's request for a three-month postponement as he seeks to represent himself during the trial. The judge reiterated that an expedited trial schedule was already established and that a lengthy adjournment was not feasible. Despite this, Kanu has persistently questioned the court's jurisdiction to hear his case. Justice Omotosho reminded him that this jurisdictional issue had previously been resolved unfavorably for Kanu.
During the proceedings, Kanu expressed his objections, stating, “Going forward, I am making an oral application challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try me. On the face of the records before this court, there are four jurisdictional defects in the matter. The Federal Government is in contempt of the Court of Appeal. I have been discharged by the Appeal Court but remain in detention for an additional 14 months."
Kanu argued that a "contemnor cannot come to the court to seek any remedy," claiming the law under which he is being tried has been repealed, and therefore his prosecution is unwarranted. He also highlighted concerns about access to his legal counsel while he has been in custody, stating that he had been denied proper consultations for nearly five years and accused the court of relying on a forged medical report regarding his fitness to stand trial.
The prosecution, represented by counsel Adegboyega Awomolo SAN, dismissed Kanu's claims as lacking a legal basis and merely an effort to prolong proceedings. In his ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that any preliminary objections would not be considered at this stage and reiterated that Kanu must proceed with his defense. The judge acknowledged that Kanu's objections had been raised before but allowed him the opportunity to address them in his final arguments.
Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate present in court, sought permission to speak, not as Kanu’s attorney but as a friend of the court, urging for a brief adjournment to allow Kanu time to prepare his defense. Justice Omotosho clarified that it was up to Kanu to request such an adjournment, emphasizing, “I appeal to the defendant to make use of the opportunity given to him to enter his defense, or waive it if he wishes.” Kanu responded expressing concerns over insufficient time to prepare, particularly given the serious nature of the charges against him, and indicated the need to assemble his witnesses.