COURT ORDERS KANU TO DEFEND HIMSELF WITHIN 24 HOURS OR FORFEIT HIS CHANCE
GREATRIBUNETVNEWS–THE Federal High Court in Abuja has given Nnamdi Kanu an ultimatum: open his defence by Friday, Oct 24, or the opportunity will be deemed waived. Justice James Omotosho made the ruling after Kanu insisted on self‑representation and requested a three‑month adjournment, which the judge rejected because the trial is under an accelerated schedule.
Kanu, who has already dismissed his legal team—lead counsel Kanu Agabi SAN and all other Senior Advocates of Nigeria—continues to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction, citing four alleged jurisdictional defects, contempt of the Court of Appeal, and a repealed statute. He also claimed the medical report declaring him fit for trial was forged and that he has been denied proper consultation with counsel.
Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo SAN countered that Kanu’s submissions were procedural irregularities and not grounded in law. The judge clarified that preliminary objections would not be entertained at this stage; the defendant must proceed with his defence, though he may later raise the issues in written submissions.
Senior Advocate Dr Onyechi Ikpeazu attempted to intervene as a _friend of the court_, seeking a brief adjournment, but Omotosho noted only Kanu could make such an application since he is now representing himself. The court also noted Kanu’s plan to call 23 witnesses, including high‑profile figures such as former Defence Minister Theophilus Danjuma, ex‑Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, Governors Babajide Sanwo‑Olu and Hope Uzodinma, and former AGF Abubakar Malami
Justice Omotosho then ordered that Kanu must open his defence without fail on October 24.
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