“Please, My Brother, Consult Properly” — Judge Pleads with Nnamdi Kanu to Reconsider Self-Representation in Terrorism Trial
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, pleads with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to seek legal counsel before defending himself in his ongoing terrorism trial, after Kanu insists there is “no case” against him.
“Please, My Brother, Consult Properly” — Judge Pleads with Nnamdi Kanu to Seek Legal Advice”, were the passionate words of the presiding judge to the indefatigable leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the latter insists that “there is no case against me”.
Proceedings at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, took a dramatic turn when trial judge Justice James Omotosho made an emotional appeal to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, urging him to seek professional legal counsel before continuing his defence in the ongoing terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government.
Kanu, who is standing trial on seven counts of terrorism, had earlier dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself in court — a decision that prompted deep concern from the presiding judge.
Judge Appeals to Kanu: “Please, My Brother, Consult Properly”
Addressing the IPOB leader directly, 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 an adequate consultation. This is not economics; this is criminal prosecution.”
The judge explained that criminal trials required technical and procedural expertise that only trained lawyers could provide. His appeal, he said, was not a rebuke but a genuine effort to guide the defendant, who had chosen to appear in person.
Kanu Insists: “There Is No Case Against Me”
When proceedings resumed, Kanu identified himself as the defendant and maintained that after reviewing the case files, he found no legal basis for the charges against him.
“There is actually no charge against me,” Kanu declared. “If the prosecution has failed to establish a case, there is no need for me to enter any defence.”
He further argued that no Nigerian law supported the allegations, insisting that continuing the trial would amount to a waste of judicial time.
Judge Clarifies Legal Options
In response, Justice Omotosho explained the available legal options open to Kanu following the close of the prosecution’s case.
“In a criminal trial, a defendant has three options after the prosecution closes its case,” he said. “You can make a no-case submission, and if it is overruled, you must enter a defence. Alternatively, you can rest on the prosecution’s evidence and file your written address.”
Despite this explanation, Kanu stood firm in his position, repeating:
“My position is that there is no charge against me. There is no need for me to enter any defence.”
Court Adjourns for Consultation
Monday’s sitting had been scheduled for Kanu to open his defence, following his earlier request for adjournment after claiming that his former counsel, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not released his case file.
Inside the courtroom, five seats reserved for “Summoned Witnesses” suggested that Kanu was expected to begin calling witnesses. However, his decision to appear without counsel led to an unexpected twist.
The Federal Government’s legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), expressed readiness to proceed. Nevertheless, the court granted Kanu additional time to reconsider his decision and consult with legal experts.
The matter was adjourned to a later date for continuation of the trial.
