Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had once again advised Kanu to seek proper legal guidance after he maintained that the seven-count charge against him was invalid and baseless.
Initially, Kanu had refused to proceed with his defence, insisting that the charges lacked any legal foundation. However, during Wednesday’s proceedings, he told the court he would need to meet with his legal team before deciding on the next steps.
He listed his lawyers as Nnaemeka Ejiofor, Aloy Ejimakor, Maxwell Okpara, and Mandela Umegborogu.
Following his statement, Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to November 7, marking the fourth time the court has given Kanu an opportunity to either open his defence or waive his right to do so.
It would be recalled that Kanu had in October 2025 dismissed his previous legal team led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), opting to represent himself in court. He had earlier submitted a list of 23 witnesses, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, but later withdrew the list, arguing that the charges against him were not recognised under any valid Nigerian law.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Kanu maintained that there was no valid terrorism law under which he could be tried, claiming that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had already been repealed.
“The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed. I cannot put up a defence under a repealed law,” Kanu told the court.
The prosecution, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had earlier closed its case on June 19, 2025, after calling five witnesses. The court later ruled on September 26 that a prima facie case had been established against Kanu. However, since then, he has twice failed to begin his defence, citing the unavailability of documents from his former lawyers.
In response, Justice Omotosho stated that the court would once again “bend backward” in the interest of justice, giving Kanu one more chance to properly consult his legal counsel before the next hearing.
