Judge begs Nnamdi Kanu to seek legal help as he rejects terrorism trial

In a dramatic turn at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu took an unexpected pause as the presiding judge personally pleaded with him to consult legal experts.

Justice James Omotosho’s appeal came after Kanu, who is representing himself on seven-count terrorism charges, declared he would not present a defense. Kanu argued that the charges against him were “unlawful” and that the prosecution had failed to establish a valid case under any extant Nigerian law.

“There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence,” Kanu stated.

The judge took time to explain the options available to a defendant in a criminal trial, emphasizing that Kanu’s claim of an invalid charge is itself a form of defense that requires a formal written submission. Justice Omotosho then made an emotional appeal, stressing the seriousness of the proceedings.

“I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to consult properly,” Justice Omotosho said. “I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer. You need to consult experts in the field. Please make adequate consultation. This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution.”

The judge revealed that the court had considered providing a lawyer from the Legal Aid Council, but Kanu had refused, insisting on self-representation.

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), interpreted Kanu’s stance as a decision to forgo a defense, suggesting the court should now adjourn for judgment.

Granting Kanu’s request for time, the court gave him four days to file a written address outlining his argument that no valid charge exists. The prosecution will then have time to respond.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 4, 5, and 6, leaving the door open for Kanu to change his mind and open his defense, or for the court to proceed with the adoption of final written addresses.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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