IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu Finally Files Defence After Months of Standoff

Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, has finally complied with the directive of the Federal High Court in Abuja to file his defence in the terrorism case instituted against him by the Federal Government.

For months, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Kanu had insisted he would not open his defence until the government produced the exact terrorism law he was accused of breaching.

On Thursday, however, the IPOB leader began submitting his defence documents inside the courtroom, marking a significant shift in the long-running trial.

Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the matter, issued a rare directive by ordering that the court’s registry be temporarily moved into his courtroom.

The move followed repeated complaints from Kanu, who had claimed he was being frustrated in his attempts to file necessary documents.

The judge said the decision was taken to remove “every perceived administrative obstacle” and ensure that the defendant had adequate opportunity to defend himself.

Proceedings were stood down for one hour to enable the filing to take place without disruption.

Counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court he was ready to receive Kanu’s defence documents right inside the courtroom and respond accordingly.

Awomolo said the government was prepared to proceed with the substantive trial once the defence formally joined issues.

At the time of filing this report, Kanu’s lawyers were still sorting and submitting the documents under the supervision of court officials.

Until now, Kanu had repeatedly refused to open his defence in the terrorism case, arguing that the prosecution had failed to show him the “specific terrorism provision” he allegedly violated.

His position had stalled movement on the trial for months and triggered multiple heated exchanges between his legal team and the prosecution.

Thursday’s development marks the first major step forward in the case in several months.