The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning to Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), directing him to open his defence in his terrorism trial on or before November 5—or risk forfeiting the opportunity entirely.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the ultimatum on Tuesday, expressing concern over Kanu’s repeated refusal to respond to the charges after the prosecution closed its case and the court dismissed his no-case submission. Court records show that this is the fourth consecutive sitting in which Kanu has declined to enter his defence.

The judge noted that despite an earlier adjournment on October 27 for Kanu to either file his final written address or commence his defence on November 4, the defendant again refused to comply. Instead, Kanu informed the court that he had filed a motion and an affidavit, maintaining his stance that there is no legally recognized charge upon which he should stand trial.

He insisted that he would not return to detention and demanded immediate release, arguing that any further proceedings would amount to unlawful punishment.

But prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) pushed back, dismissing the new filings as procedurally defective and urging the court to treat them as Kanu’s final address in order to proceed toward judgment. He accused the defendant of trying to frustrate the justice process.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that the documents were properly filed and would be considered at judgment. He acknowledged that Kanu, who is representing himself, lacks legal expertise and should be allowed time to consult a lawyer.

However, he made it clear that the grace period ends on November 5—after which Kanu would be deemed to have abandoned his right to defend himself.

The court adjourned the case to the new deadline, setting the stage for a decisive session in the long-running trial.