Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has agreed to consult with his legal team before continuing his defence in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu made the decision on Wednesday during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
During the sitting, Kanu again argued that the charges brought against him were invalid under Nigerian law. Justice Omotosho, however, advised him to seek appropriate legal advice, stressing the need for a fair and properly guided defence.
Following the judge’s position, Kanu told the court he would consult with his lawyers, naming them as Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter to November 7, 2025, marking the fourth time the court will grant the IPOB leader additional time to either open his defence or decide otherwise.
“The court will bend backward once more in the interest of justice,” the judge said, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the defendant receives fair trial conditions.
Kanu had in October dismissed his previous legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), and at one point opted to represent himself. He had also indicated plans to call 23 witnesses, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
He later reversed the decision, insisting that he had no case to answer because, according to him, “the charges are unknown to any valid law.” On Wednesday, he repeated the claim, saying: “The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law.”
Prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the Federal Government had already closed its case on June 19, 2025, after calling five witnesses. The court had earlier ruled that a prima facie case had been established, prompting Kanu to either open his defence or formally decline.
The judge again urged Kanu to work closely with lawyers experienced in criminal matters before the next adjourned date.
