The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a final warning to detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Justice James Omotosho ordered Kanu to defend the terrorism charges against him on or before November 5 or forfeit the right to do so.
The judge urged Kanu to work with lawyers skilled in criminal matters or appoint one officially if he insists on defending himself. He stressed that the court will not entertain further delays.
Kanu again refused to enter his defence. He argued that there is no valid charge before the court.
The IPOB leader insisted that he cannot respond to an accusation that, according to him, does not legally exist.
Nnamdi Kanu told the court he would not return to DSS custody unless the charges were properly presented to him. He called his detention unlawful and claimed the government has not proven he committed any offence.
Kanu also accused the court of ignoring the Supreme Court’s ruling on his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He demanded an immediate release, claiming anything less would violate his constitutional rights.
He cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that “there was no written law on the offence of terrorism in Nigeria today.” He maintained that the case is “incompetent, invalid and illegal.”
After several attempts to convince him to enter his defence, Justice Omotosho adjourned till November 5. On that date, Kanu must either present his defence or be deemed to have waived his right.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount for his release. The Igbo Political Network (IPN) has again demanded Kanu be freed.
The group claimed his continued detention fuels insecurity in the South-East and undermines peace.
IPN president, Alex Okemiri, said the treatment of Kanu is unfair and has lasted over five years.
He described it as injustice and “an act of wickedness.” He argued that the situation portrays the Igbo as being treated like second-class citizens.
IPN questioned why Kanu remains behind bars while “known criminals, terrorists, bandits, drug barons, and murderers” regain their freedom.
The group also accused some Igbo politicians of sabotaging calls for his release.
In a separate statement, U.S-based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, backed the call for freedom.
He described Kanu’s detention as a “shameful abuse of justice” and said it breaches local and international law.
Fr. Odimmegwa, who coordinates the US organisation Rising Sun, urged the government to obey court orders and release the IPOB leader without delay.
Recall that Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and later re-arrested in 2021 after being taken from Kenya, sparking widespread debate and protests across the South-East over his continued detention and trial.
