Kanu Refuses To Open Defence, Says No Case Against Him

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, declined to open his defence in the terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government, insisting there was no valid charge to answer.

Kanu, who had earlier indicated interest in calling witnesses to testify on his behalf, made a dramatic U-turn when the matter came up before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

At the last sitting on October 24, the court had fixed October 27 for the defendant to open his defence. He had, through a formal letter, sought the court’s permission to summon witnesses and requested additional time to review his case file.

However, when proceedings resumed on Monday, Kanu told the court he had thoroughly reviewed the documents in the case and was convinced that the charges against him were baseless.

He said there was no legal foundation for the allegations, and as such, he saw no reason to call witnesses or proceed with a defence in a matter he described as “unlawful.”

Justice Omotosho, in response, directed the IPOB leader to file a written address formally stating his position and to serve the same on the prosecution for consideration.

The trial judge also advised Kanu to seek the counsel of seasoned criminal law experts to understand the legal implications of his decision to forgo a defence.

Subsequently, the court adjourned the matter till November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses—either on the strength of Kanu’s claim that the prosecution failed to establish any case against him, or for him to open his defence if he reconsiders his stance.