By James
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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja will on November 20 give it’s verdict on the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Omotosho’s decision has foreclosed the the oro-Biafra agitator’s opportunity to present its case, following his refusal to do so.
Kanu had consistently refused to enter his defence, claiming that the law under which he was being tried had been repealed.
Justice Omotosho noted at Friday’s proceedings that the court had provided every lawful opportunity under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution for Kanu to defend himself, but he turned it down.
Ruling on the matter, the judge said Kanu’s action amounted to waiver of his right to defence.
“This court has given opportunity to the defendant under Section 36 as required by the constitution, and I will not allow this to continue. It is based on this, without hesitation, that I say that the defendant has waived his right,” Justice Omotosho said.
It had earlier been reported that Kanu had bowed to the court and agreed to file his defence papers, a development that proved otherwise.
All eyes are now fixed on November 20 when the court will deliver its judgement on the matter.
