The detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has been given the last opportunity by the Federal High Court in Abuja to enter a Defence in his ongoing terrorism trial, failing which he would be deemed to have foreclosed the case.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho said on Wednesday he was bending over backward to ensure that the IPOB leader enters his defense because it was his duty as a judge to ensure that the defendant gets sufficient opportunity to put in his defense.

“We had adjourned till today for the defendant to put in his defense or be deemed closed. But, I am bound to give him another opportunity to put in his defense.

“If he does not, I will deem him closed. I know that he is an economist and not a lawyer. I will give the last opportunity to the defendant to put in his defense, failure which he would be deemed closed,” said Justice Omotosho shortly before adjourning till November 7.

The prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) had earlier pleaded that the court should foreclose Kanu, who failed to enter his defense having spent five out of the six days allotted him by the court to conduct his defense.

He noted that at the resumed hearing after Kanu was given the last chance to put in his defense, he still declined to open his defence as ordered by the court.

Awomolo urged the court to take note of the defendant’s position that he would not enter any defense because there is no valid charge against him.

He then prayed the court to foreclose the defendant and adjourn for judgment.

Earlier, Kanu, who represented himself, addressed the court from the dock. He maintained his position that there is no valid charge against him to warrant his being called to enter a defence.

Meanwhile, following complaints by Awomolo, Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu’s former lawyers in the case, who now refer to themselves as his consultants, to conduct themselves within the ethics of the legal profession.

The lawyers are: P. A. N Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Dr. Maxwell Opara and Prince Mandela Umegburu.

Awomolo had accused the lawyers of granting media interviews and making subtle posts on social media relating to the case.

The lawyers, who Kanu also confirmed as his consultants, were in court to witness Wednesday’s proceedings and introduced themselves as such as well.

CREDIT: The Conclave