A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed group IPOB, to enter his defence in his terrorism trial by November 5, 2025, or be deemed to have waived his right to do so.

Key developments:

• Kanu has refused to enter defence, claiming no valid charge exists against him and arguing that the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2013 under which he is being tried has been repealed.
• He cited Section 36(12) of the Constitution, claiming his trial under a non-existent law violates his right to fair hearing.
• Justice James Omotosho ruled that Section 36(12) is not applicable at this stage, as the determination of conviction only occurs after a defence has been entered.
• Kanu filed a motion and affidavit raising threshold issues about the court’s jurisdiction, but the prosecution challenged the competence of these documents.
• The judge confirmed that Kanu’s documents will be considered at judgment, and encouraged him to seek legal representation to assist in his defence.

Next step:

• The court adjourned till November 5, for Kanu to either enter his defence or be deemed to have waived the right to do so.

Justice Omotosho emphasized that Kanu has the opportunity to put in his defence, but if he refuses, the court will proceed accordingly.