Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has given the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, until November 5 to defend the terrorism charges brought against him or risk losing his right to do so.
During the hearing, Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to seek legal counsel familiar with criminal proceedings or allow a lawyer to represent him in court. The judge’s appeal came after Kanu repeatedly refused to open his defence, insisting that there was no valid charge before the court.
Kanu, who had earlier indicated his intention to represent himself, told the court that he would not return to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) unless the charges against him were properly presented. He argued that his continued detention at the DSS facility was illegal, maintaining that he had not violated any law.
The IPOB leader further accused the court of disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment, which condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He demanded an immediate and unconditional discharge, insisting that the terrorism charges against him were baseless.
Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu argued that there is currently no written law in Nigeria defining or prescribing the offence of terrorism, and therefore, he had nothing to defend. Following his refusal to proceed, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 5, giving Kanu one last chance to either defend himself or waive his right to do so.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Political Network (IPN) has joined growing voices calling for Kanu’s release, stating that his freedom would ease tensions and help restore peace across the Southeast.
The group’s President, Alex Okemiri, condemned Kanu’s prolonged detention—now over five years since his rendition from Kenya during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He described it as an act of injustice and a clear violation of human rights.
According to IPN, both within and outside Nigeria, Kanu’s continued incarceration is seen as a deliberate attempt to suppress his voice and marginalize the Igbo people. The group questioned why Kanu remains in custody while others accused of serious crimes roam free.
IPN also alleged that some political figures from the region are deliberately frustrating Kanu’s release for personal gain.
In a related development, a United States–based Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Augustine Odimmegwa, has renewed calls for Kanu’s immediate release. In a statement issued on Sunday, the priest, who serves as the Coordinator of Rising Sun, a US nonprofit organization, described Kanu’s detention as a “shameful abuse of justice” that violates both Nigerian and international law.
