“Please, My Brother, Consult Properly”: Judge’s Unusual Plea to Nnamdi Kanu in Court.
The terrorism trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu took a dramatic and unexpected turn on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the presiding judge made a personal appeal to the defendant, urging him not to face the complex legal charges alone.
Justice James Omotosho’s remarkable plea came after Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism filed by the Federal Government, dismissed his legal team and chose to represent himself. The judge, cautioning Kanu against this high-risk strategy, stressed the severe complexities of a criminal trial.
READ: High Drama in Court as Nnamdi Kanu Takes Over His Own Terrorism Trial
In a moment that hushed the courtroom, Justice Omotosho addressed Kanu with a tone of earnest concern.
“I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to consult properly,” Justice Omotosho stated. “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 elaborated that his unusual appeal was meant to guide Kanu, emphasizing that professional expertise is not just an advantage but a necessity in such serious proceedings.
Kanu Stands Firm, Insists Case is Baseless
When the session resumed, Kanu, identifying himself as the defendant, stood by his decision. He told the court that after reviewing the case files, he could find no legal foundation for the charges brought against him.
“There is actually no charge against me,” Kanu asserted. “If the prosecution has failed to establish a case, there is no need for me to enter any defence.”
He argued that no existing law in Nigeria supported the prosecution’s case, rendering the entire trial, in his view, pointless.
Judge Clarifies the Legal Path Forward
In response, Justice Omotosho patiently outlined the procedural options available to a defendant after the prosecution has closed its case. He explained that Kanu was at a critical juncture where he could either file a ‘no-case’ submission, rest on the evidence presented by the prosecution, or proceed to open his defence by calling witnesses.
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“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 clarified.
Despite this legal roadmap, Kanu remained unmoved, reiterating his position that the charges were invalid. “My position is that there is no charge against me. There is no need for me to enter any defence,” he said.
Adjournment Granted for Reflection
The courtroom had been set for Kanu to begin his defence, with five seats reserved and labelled for summoned witnesses. This preparation followed a previous adjournment granted after Kanu claimed his former legal team, led by ex-Attorney-General Kanu Agabi (SAN), had not released his case file.
While the Federal Government’s team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), expressed its readiness to proceed, the court ultimately prioritized ensuring a fair process. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Justice Omotosho granted an adjournment to allow Kanu time to reconsider his position and seek the legal consultation he so strongly advised.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for continuation.
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