Abuja, November 4, 2025 — The detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, for the fourth time refused to open his defence to the seven-count terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government. Conducting his defence personally after disengaging his lawyers, Kanu insisted there was no valid charge against him.

Key Points:

• Kanu argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed, and there is no constitutional basis for the terrorism charges.
• He requested the court to take judicial notice of his previous motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction and called for his immediate release from DSS custody, where he has been detained since 2021.
• Kanu cited Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution and Supreme Court rulings, claiming that trying him over a non-existent crime violates his fundamental rights.
• The prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, asked the court to discount Kanu’s documents, alleging they lacked probative value.

Court Response:

• Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s documents would be considered and gave him a further opportunity to consult a legal practitioner for guidance.
• The court warned it would foreclose Kanu’s right to defend himself if he fails to enter his defence within the allotted period.
• Proceedings were adjourned to Wednesday for Kanu to either begin his defence or have his right waived.

Background:

• Kanu had earlier intended to call 23 high-profile witnesses, including governors, ministers, former security chiefs, and intelligence officials, but later shelved the plan.
• The court had dismissed his no-case-submission, which claimed the prosecution failed to establish a prima-facie case.
• Kanu faces accusations of leading a separatist movement in South-East Nigeria and inciting violence and killings through broadcasts, but he maintains his innocence.