Court Orders Nnamdi Kanu to Open Defence in Terrorism Trial or Risk Losing Case

By Diafa Doubra,

The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to begin his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial without further delay.

Justice Binta Nyako, who issued the order, warned that failure by Kanu to open his defence within the stipulated time could lead the court to foreclose his right to do so. The judge noted that the case has dragged on for years due to several interlocutory applications and adjournments, stressing that the matter must proceed in the interest of justice.

Kanu, who has been in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, faces multiple charges bordering on terrorism, incitement, and membership of an unlawful organization. His legal team, however, insists that the charges are politically motivated and that their client should be granted unconditional release.

The court adjourned the case to a later date for the commencement of Kanu’s defence, warning that it would no longer entertain unnecessary delays.