The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, insisting that there is no valid charge against him.
At Monday’s resumed hearing, Kanu informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that, after thoroughly reviewing his case file, he found no legal basis for the charges brought by the Federal Government.
“I have gone through the case file and realised that there is no valid charge against me,” Kanu told the court.
The court had earlier, on October 24, adjourned the matter to October 27 to allow Kanu to open his defence.
Prior to the adjournment, the IPOB leader had notified the court of his plan to call witnesses and requested summons for them, seeking additional time to study his case documents.
However, at the resumed session, Kanu said his review convinced him that the trial was unlawful, and therefore there was no need to call witnesses or present any defence.
“Since I am convinced there is no valid charge against me and that I have been subjected to an unlawful trial, there is no need for me to open any defence,” he said.
In response, Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to file a written address stating his position and to serve a copy on the prosecution.
The judge also advised Kanu to consult legal experts on the possible implications of his decision not to enter a defence.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6, for the adoption of final written addresses, either on Kanu’s claim that the prosecution failed to establish any case against him or, if he changes his position, for the continuation of his defence.
Stay tuned…
