The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declared that there is no valid case against him in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.
At the resumed hearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, Kanu said he had carefully reviewed the case file and concluded that the charges brought against him had no legal basis.
He told the court, “There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence.”
Kanu, who has been in detention since 2021, represented himself in court after dismissing his legal team.
He had earlier notified the court of his plan to call witnesses in his defence but changed his mind, insisting that the prosecution had failed to establish any evidence linking him to the alleged offences.
During the proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the sitting was for Kanu to open his defence.
However, the IPOB leader maintained that no valid charges existed to warrant such action.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, took time to explain the options available to a defendant after the prosecution closes its case.
He noted that a defendant could file a no-case submission, enter a defence, or rest on the prosecution’s case and file a written address.
Kanu opted to prepare a written address instead of calling witnesses, saying he would use it to explain why he believed the charges against him were invalid.
Justice Omotosho, however, cautioned Kanu to seek proper legal advice before proceeding further. The judge said he had a duty to ensure that Kanu, who is not a lawyer, understood the implications of his decision. “Please, make adequate consultation. This is criminal prosecution,” the judge advised.
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that the court subsequently granted Kanu four days to file and serve his written address on the prosecution. The case was adjourned until November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of addresses or for Kanu to open his defence should he decide to do so.
Nnamdi Kanu is facing multiple terrorism-related charges, including allegations of inciting violence and leading a proscribed organisation.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
