The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday warned detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, that it may close his defence if he fails to open his case at the next sitting.

Kanu, who has been representing himself after sacking his legal team, again refused to open his defence in the seven-count terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.

He maintained that he has no case to answer, arguing that there is no valid charge against him before the court.

Kanu urged the judge to take note of his earlier motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction, saying he is being tried for an offence that does not exist under Nigerian law. He also demanded his immediate release from the Department of State Services (DSS) custody, where he has been held since 2021.

However, the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), faulted the documents filed by Kanu, describing them as incompetent and improperly submitted.

Awomolo accused the IPOB leader of wasting the court’s time and urged Justice James Omotosho to treat Kanu’s documents as his final written address, so that judgment can be delivered.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho disagreed with the prosecution, saying the court would consider the documents in its judgment.

The judge noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he would be given another chance to seek legal advice. But he warned that the court would close his right to defence if he fails to proceed with his case at the next hearing.

The matter was adjourned till Wednesday for continuation of trial.

Source; PM News