NNAMDI KANU FAILS TO OPEN DEFENCE AGAIN AS COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL TO MONDAY
NNAMDI KANU FAILS TO OPEN DEFENCE AGAIN AS COURT ADJOURNS TRIAL TO MONDAY
— By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi, Global Egberi Media International
Abuja, Nigeria – October 24, 2025:
The long-standing legal battle involving the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, took another turn on Friday as the Federal High Court, Abuja, again witnessed a delay in the commencement of his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
For the second consecutive time, Kanu failed to open his defence before Justice James Omotosho, citing lack of access to his case file following the recent withdrawal of his legal team.
Speaking directly to the court, the IPOB leader stated,
“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them. The few people that would have brought this were precluded from seeing me.”
Kanu therefore sought an adjournment to enable him to properly prepare for his defence, emphasizing that proceeding without his case materials would amount to a denial of fair hearing.
Prosecution’s Position
The lead counsel representing the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose Kanu’s plea for adjournment but reminded the court of its earlier directive mandating the defendant to present his defence within six days.
Awomolo stressed,
“I’m aware that there is a standing order for the defendant to defend himself within six days. The defendant wasted yesterday. This is the second day, my lord. I urge your lordship to keep to the standing order.”
Court’s Ruling
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho appealed to the defendant to make “judicious use of the opportunity” granted under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing.
While emphasizing that the court would not compel Kanu to proceed without adequate preparation, Justice Omotosho warned that the trial could not be stalled indefinitely.
“The court has granted sufficient latitude under the law. It is left for the defendant to use it judiciously. However, he cannot be compelled to proceed if he chooses to waive that right,” the judge ruled.
Consequently, the matter was adjourned until Monday, October 27, 2025, for the IPOB leader to finally open his defence.
Background of the Case
Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is facing multiple charges bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement against the Nigerian State.
His prolonged detention and trial have continued to stir controversy, with his supporters insisting that the proceedings are politically motivated. The Federal Government, however, maintains that Kanu’s activities endangered national unity and security.
The latest development has further prolonged a case that has spanned several years, drawing both national and international attention to Nigeria’s handling of issues relating to separatist movements, civil rights, and due process.
Source: FocalPoint Reports (fprnews.com)
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Published by: Global Egberi Media International
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Tags: #NnamdiKanu #IPOB #FederalHighCourt #Abuja #JusticeOmotosho #NigeriaNews #TerrorismTrial #RuleOfLaw #HumanRights
Facebook Caption:
📰 BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Fails To Open Defence Again!
The IPOB leader tells the Federal High Court, Abuja, he’s yet to receive his case file after his legal team’s withdrawal. Court adjourns until Monday.
Read full report on Global Egberi Media International 🕊️
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