Nigerian Court Gives Nnamdi Kanu Ultimatum to Open His Defense

ABUJA, Nigeria – A Nigerian court has issued a firm ultimatum to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, giving him until Wednesday to open his defense in his ongoing terrorism trial or forfeit the right to do so.

The order was delivered after Kanu, for the fourth consecutive time, refused to begin his defense despite the prosecution having already closed its case. The IPOB leader is representing himself in the proceedings.

Instead of presenting his defense, Kanu filed a motion seeking to have the terrorism charges against him struck out and for the court to order his immediate release. In his application, he argued that the charges are baseless and rely on laws that have since been repealed, declaring them unconstitutional.

Kanu has been in detention since his controversial re-arrest in 2021. He faces a seven-count charge related to terrorism and alleged crimes against the state, accusations he and his supporters vehemently deny.

The case has drawn significant attention and continues to be a source of tension. While supporters of the IPOB leader persistently demand his unconditional release, the Nigerian government maintains its position that he must stand trial for the serious crimes he is accused of committing against the state.

The court’s latest directive sets the stage for a critical week, leaving the next move in the high-profile legal battle squarely in Kanu’s hands.