By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal High Court in Abuja has given IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu until Wednesday to begin his defence in his long-running terrorism trial.

Justice James Omotosho pronounced the deadline amid Kanu’s repeated refusal to formally open his defence after the prosecution closed its case. The judge warned that failure to act by the deadline would amount to a waiver of his right to defence.

Kanu, who has represented himself in the trial and has challenged the legal basis of his prosecution, stated previously that he believed no valid charge existed against him. The case has been adjourned until the set date for the defence to either open its case or for the court to consider moving ahead.

Analysts say the deadline underscores the court’s impatience with repeated delays and could pivot the trial into its final phase — though a verdict is not guaranteed solely by missing the deadline.