Otamere Gladness 
Nnamdi Kanu standing in court during trial proceedings in Abuja.
ABUJA, Nigeria – A Federal High Court has given Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu a final opportunity to present his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, warning that failure to do so will result in the closure of his case.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Wednesday, emphasising that while the court must ensure fairness, it cannot allow indefinite delays.
He set Friday, November 7, as the deadline. “This is the last opportunity. If the defendant does not proceed, the defence will be deemed closed,” he said.
The decision follows multiple adjournments during which Kanu refused to enter his defence, insisting that the terrorism charges were filed under a repealed law.
The court had earlier dismissed his no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a matter requiring defence.
Lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to foreclose further delays, noting that the defendant had already exhausted most of the allotted days for defence. When called upon, Kanu repeated: “The Terrorism Prevention Act under which I am charged has been repealed. I cannot defend myself under a repealed law.”
Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to consult his legal team — including Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu — before the next sitting, cautioning against strategic delay.
He also warned former members of Kanu’s defence team to adhere to professional ethics in their public commentary.
The court will reconvene on Friday for the defence to begin. Observers watched.
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