Proceedings in the terrorism trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Monday, as the trial judge resorted to begging the defendant “in the name of God Almighty to consult properly,” before proceeding to defend himself.
Noting that Kanu had earlier fired his lawyers and opted to defend himself, Justice James Omotosho stressed that he needed to consult legal experts because “this is not economics; this is criminal prosecution.”
“I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to consult properly,” the judge pleaded. “I am inclined to granting 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. Please, my brother, make adequate consultation. Criminal cases are not like other cases. I took the opportunity to explain to the defendant because he is not a lawyer,” the judge stressed.
Kanu is being prosecuted on seven counts of terrorism before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court had on Friday adjourned till Monday for him to open his defence, after Kanu had submitted a list of 23 witnesses he intended to call.
