Nnamdi Kanu’s Legal Struggles Continue in Terrorism Trial
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has faced significant challenges in presenting his defense during his ongoing terrorism trial. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently paused proceedings to allow Kanu to file a legal process and submit an affidavit in his defense.
The court was called to order on Friday, and shortly after, Kanu raised concerns about not being permitted to file his defense documents. He stated that officials from the State Security Service (SSS), where he is detained, had not allowed him to proceed with the filing for the past three days. “I have the process for my defense. I don’t know if my lord will allow me to file it for my defense,” he said.
Justice James Omotosho sought clarification from the SSS officers present in court regarding the issue. One officer explained that after the adjournment on Wednesday, Kanu had indicated he wanted to file a process, but he did not follow through. The officer also mentioned that there is a standard procedure for Mr. Kanu’s movement to ensure his safety and the safety of others. This includes a letter from his former lawyers, who are now consultants, to the SSS management before any movement can occur.
Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo responded by stating that the protocol for Kanu’s movement is dictated by the court’s order. However, he requested a brief adjournment to allow Kanu to file the document. Kanu, however, disputed the SSS officer’s account, claiming that the officers had told him they would bring him back the next day when he was looking for the process on Wednesday.
Kanu further alleged that he had asked the SSS officers to allow court officers to bring the stamp for him to depose to the affidavit, but they refused. Awomolo suggested that the matter could be resolved if Kanu’s legal consultants spoke directly with the DSS legal department. He added that the consultants have his phone number and could reach out to him.
In response to the situation, Justice Omotosoho ordered the court registry and the commissioner for oaths to bring the court stamp to the courtroom to assist Kanu. Additionally, the judge made an order allowing court workers to visit the SSS office with the court stamp whenever Kanu is a deponent to a document.
Background on the Case
Mr. Kanu, a dual Nigerian and British citizen, has been facing seven terrorism-related charges since 2015. These charges stem from his alleged involvement in violent secessionist campaigns aimed at achieving independence for the Igbo-dominated South-eastern part of Nigeria as Biafra. Despite these allegations, Kanu has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The prosecution closed its case in June with five witnesses. Afterward, Kanu filed a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had not provided credible evidence against him. However, in September, the judge dismissed this submission, ruling that Kanu had a case to answer and should proceed with his defense.
Since then, several court sessions have been scheduled for Kanu to begin his defense. However, he has repeatedly disengaged from his lawyers and declared that he would defend himself. The case has been adjourned multiple times over the past month to keep the window for his defense open, while Kanu continues to assert that there are no valid charges against him.
Kanu has also argued that the charges against him were brought under a repealed terrorism law. In response, Justice Omotosho reminded him of the need to prepare his defense effectively. Kanu stated that he would consult with his four legal consultants—Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu—before proceeding.