The Federal High Court in Abuja has again given detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, another opportunity to open his defence in the terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government, warning that he may forfeit the right if he fails to proceed at the next sitting.
Justice James Omotosho on Wednesday adjourned the matter to November 7, 2025, marking the fourth time the court has extended time for Kanu to open his defence. The decision followed Kanu’s renewed insistence that the terrorism charge against him is invalid and therefore cannot be defended.
Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge. The prosecution closed its case on June 19, 2025, after calling five witnesses. However, the IPOB leader has repeatedly declined to open his defence, arguing he has no case to answer and claiming the law under which he is being tried has been repealed.
The court had on September 26, 2025, dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that a prima facie case exists and directing him to enter his defence. Despite that ruling, Kanu failed to proceed on two subsequent adjourned dates in October and again on November 4, citing lack of access to key legal documents from former counsel.
At Wednesday’s session, instead of presenting a defence, Kanu spent hours challenging the validity of the charges, insisting that the Supreme Court had ordered the Federal Government to amend the charge and alleging non-compliance by the prosecution.
“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law. I won’t do that,” he told the court.
Justice Omotosho advised the defendant to “keep his gunpowder dry” and open his defence, noting that the court would not entertain indefinite delays. Kanu later stated he is willing to defend himself but needs to consult four legal advisers — Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
Lead federal counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, urged the court to enforce its previous order compelling Kanu to defend himself or lose the opportunity. But the judge said he would “bend backwards once more” in the interest of justice and national stability.
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