The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, gave Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the last opportunity to either enter his defence in the ongoing alleged terrorism offences or be foreclosed.
Justice James Omotosho, who gave the warning, said it was his duty as a judge in the case to accord Kanu sufficient opportunity to put in his defence.
“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defence or be deemed closed.
“But, I am bound to give him another opportunity to put in his defence. If he did not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an Economist and not a lawyer.
“I will give the last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defence, failure which he would be deemed closed,” the judge said and adjourned till November 7.
The judge spoke while ruling on an application by the prosecuting lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, praying the court to foreclose Kanu’s defence.
Awomolo argued that the IPOB leader had failed to enter his defence and having spent five out of the six days the court allocated to him to conduct his defence, an order should be made foreclosing same.
The senior lawyer had observed 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 observed 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 Kanu’s defence and adjourn for judgment.
Earlier, Kanu, who appeared for himself, addressed the court from the dock.
He maintained his position that there is no valid charge against him to warrant his being called to enter a defence.
Meanwhile, following complaint by Awomolo, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers in the case, who now refer to themselves as his consultants, to conduct themselves within the ethics of the legal profession.
The affected lawyers include P. A. N Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr Maxwell Opara and Prince Mandela Umegburu.
Awomolo had accused the lawyers of granting media interviews and making subtle posts on social media in relation to the case.
The lawyers, who Kanu also confirmed as his consultants, were in court to witness Wednesday’s proceedings and introduced themselves as such.
