Proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday took an unusual turn when the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, openly pleaded with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to seek legal counsel before continuing with his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism, had earlier dismissed his team of lawyers and opted to represent himself in court. However, the judge cautioned him against such a decision, stressing the complexity of criminal trials.
Addressing the IPOB leader, Justice Omotosho said:
“I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to consult properly. I am inclined to grant you the adjournment you seek. I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer. You need to consult experts in the field. Please make adequate consultation. This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution.”
The judge further explained that criminal cases required professional expertise, noting that his appeal was meant to guide Kanu since he had chosen to appear in person.
When proceedings resumed, Kanu identified himself as the defendant and told the court that, having reviewed the case files, he found no legal basis for the charges.
“There is actually no charge against me,” Kanu said. “If the prosecution has failed to establish a case, there is no need for me to enter any defence.”
He maintained that there was no existing law in Nigeria that supported the case brought against him, arguing that continuing the trial would be futile.
Responding, Justice Omotosho explained the procedural options available to the defendant after the prosecution closes its case.
He noted that Kanu could either file a no-case submission, rest on the prosecution’s evidence, or proceed to open his defence by calling witnesses.
“In a criminal trial, a defendant has three options after the prosecution closes its case. You can make a no-case submission, and if overruled, you must enter a defence. Alternatively, you can rest on the prosecution’s case and file your written address,” the judge explained.
Despite the clarification, Kanu maintained his stance that the charges were baseless.
“My position is that there is no charge against me. There is no need for me to enter any defence,” he reiterated.
The court had earlier fixed Monday’s sitting for Kanu to open his defence, following his request for an adjournment after claiming that his former legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not released his case file.
At the hearing, five seats in the courtroom were reserved and labelled “Summoned Witness” in anticipation that Kanu would begin calling witnesses. However, his insistence on representing himself led to the latest twist in proceedings.
The Federal Government’s legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), expressed readiness to proceed, but the court eventually granted Kanu time to reconsider his decision and seek legal consultation.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of the trial.