“I Was Deceived Into Pleading to a Charge That Does Not Exist” — Nnamdi Kanu

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, told the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday that he was misled into pleading to a charge he described as nonexistent. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, gave Kanu a final opportunity to present his defence today or risk being deemed to have waived his right.

Justice Omotosho emphasized his duty to guide Kanu, who is an economist and not a lawyer, and ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu access to his former legal team, now acting as consultants, to assist in preparing his defence. The judge set November 7 for Kanu to formally open his defence.

During proceedings, Kanu expressed his desire to raise points that he said could embarrass the judiciary but was instructed by the judge to make his statements in open court. Kanu read from a document criticizing the charge against him, arguing that it was based on repealed laws and claiming the prosecution had violated a Supreme Court directive by failing to amend the charge. He insisted he had not refused to defend himself but demanded clarity on the law under which he was being tried.

“I was deceived into pleading to a charge that does not exist,” Kanu told the court, describing the situation as a violation of his right to a fair hearing. He said the prosecution had duped him into accepting an invalid charge.

Prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that Kanu’s refusal to open his defence amounted to disobedience of a court order and urged the court to foreclose him and adjourn for judgment. Justice Omotosho again advised Kanu to consult an expert in criminal law, noting that criminal procedure is not an area for inexperienced practitioners. The judge also cautioned Kanu’s four consultants to maintain professional ethics following complaints that they had given media interviews and made public social media posts related to the case.

Kanu’s defence is now scheduled to commence on November 7, with the court emphasizing that this is his final chance to present his case.