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By Oscar Okhifo
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday refused to entertain the fresh preliminary objections filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that he must either open his defence or waive it by Friday.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, held that the issues Kanu sought to raise had already been determined in previous proceedings and could not be revisited at this stage of the trial.
The judge ruled that Kanu could only reintroduce such arguments in his final written address after the conclusion of evidence.
The court’s decision came amidst dramatic scenes in the courtroom as Kanu announced that he had disengaged his entire legal team and opted to defend himself in the ongoing terrorism trial instituted against him by the Federal Government.
At the resumed hearing, Kanu, dressed in his customary white outfit, informed the court that he was no longer comfortable with the representation of his senior lawyers and would henceforth personally conduct his defence.
His lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), along with other members of the defence team, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), and Emeka Etiaba (SAN), formally withdrew their appearance.
Upon confirming their withdrawal, Justice Omotosho asked Kanu if he was certain about his decision.
The IPOB leader replied in the affirmative, stating that he had chosen to represent himself to ensure “transparency and personal accountability” in the proceedings.
Shortly after, Kanu raised multiple objections challenging the court’s jurisdiction to continue with the trial.
He argued that the laws under which he was being tried had been repealed, that he had been denied access to his lawyers and medical care while in detention, and that the medical fitness report presented by the prosecution was allegedly forged.
Justice Omotosho dismissed the objections, described them as repetitive and noted that similar issues had been resolved earlier in the case.
The judge then adjourned the matter to Friday, October 24, directing Kanu to either open his defence or formally waive the right to do so.
Meanwhile, court documents revealed that Kanu had, on October 21, filed a motion listing 23 prominent Nigerians he intends to subpoena or call as witnesses.
Those listed include former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa
Others are, state Governors Hope Uzodimma of Imo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi.
Others named include former National Intelligence Agency boss, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and current DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu is also seeking the court’s leave to grant him 90 days within which to open and conclude his defence, citing the number and calibre of witnesses he intends to call.
His fresh list of witnesses and renewed objections have further complicated the long-running case that has dragged on since 2015, involving allegations of terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement against the Nigerian state.
Observers say Friday’s proceedings will be pivotal in determining whether the self-determination agitator will proceed with his defence or risk a judgment based solely on the prosecution’s evidence.