Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, until 5 November to defend the terrorism-related charges filed against him or be deemed to have forfeited his right to do so.

The judge issued the order after Mr. Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, failed to open his defence following the prosecution’s closure of its case and the court’s earlier rejection of his no-case submission.

Justice Omotosho warned that if the defendant failed to present his defence on the adjourned date, the court would consider the opportunity waived and proceed accordingly.

The court had, on 27 October, adjourned proceedings to 4 November to allow Mr. Kanu either to file his final written address or open his defence.

At the resumed hearing, the IPOB leader—who is representing himself—told the court that he had not filed any final written address as directed, but had instead submitted a motion with a supporting affidavit.

Mr. Kanu insisted he would not enter any defence, arguing that there was no valid charge recognised by law pending against him. He further demanded his immediate release, declaring that he would not return to detention since, in his view, the charges lacked legal foundation.

In response, prosecuting counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), questioned the competence of the fresh documents filed by Mr. Kanu, contending that they were not properly before the court. He urged Justice Omotosho not to continue indulging the defendant, whom he accused of attempting to waste the court’s time.

Mr. Awomolo prayed the court to treat the newly filed documents as the defendant’s final written address, direct both parties to adopt their final submissions, and fix a date for judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the documents filed by Mr. Kanu were in order and would be duly considered at the judgment stage.

The judge, noting that the defendant is not a lawyer, ruled that he should be allowed adequate time to consult legal counsel for necessary guidance.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned proceedings until 5 November, directing the defendant to either enter his defence or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.