Nnamdi Kanu defence deadline November 7
A federal high court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra, until November 7, 2025 to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial or risk having his right to defend himself foreclosed.
Judge James Omotosho, presiding in the trial, said that although Kanu has previously had multiple opportunities, he would grant one final adjournment in the interest of justice before deeming the defence “closed” if Kanu fails to act.
Kanu, who has dismissed his legal team and elected to represent himself, continues to argue that the charges against him are invalid because they are based on a law he claims has been repealed the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and therefore there is no case to answer.
The prosecution, however, urged the court to close the defence, arguing that Kanu has wasted significant days set aside for his defence and is not taking the direction of the court seriously.
This development underscores the tension in the case, which has drawn national attention and raised concerns about jurisdiction, fair trial rights and the broader political implications of the proceedings in southeastern Nigeria.
