The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Wednesday agreed to consult his legal advisers before opening his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
This followed a repeated urging from Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who again advised Kanu to seek proper legal guidance after the defendant insisted the seven-count charge against him was invalid.
Although he had initially refused to proceed with his defence, Kanu eventually told the court he would need to confer with his legal team. He listed his team as Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara and Mandela Umegborogu.
The judge subsequently granted an adjournment until November 7, marking the fourth time Kanu has been given an opportunity to open his defence or waive his right to do so.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Kanu maintained his position that no valid terrorism charge existed against him. “The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law,” he told the court.
He insisted that the law under which he was being tried had been repealed and that the prosecution failed to amend the charge as allegedly directed by the Supreme Court.
The Federal Government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to enforce its order requiring Kanu to either defend himself or waive his right.
But Justice Omotosho said he would again “bend backward” in the interest of justice to allow Kanu consult lawyers knowledgeable in criminal law.
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