The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refused to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, insisting that there is no valid charge against him.
At the resumed hearing on Monday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu told the court that he had reviewed the case files and found no evidence linking him to the allegations.
According to him, “There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence.”
Kanu had earlier indicated his intention to call witnesses and applied for witness summons, but at Monday’s proceedings, he announced that he would represent himself.
Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the day’s business was for the defendant to open his defence. However, Kanu maintained his stance that the prosecution had failed to establish any case.
Justice Omotosho took time to explain to Kanu the options available in a criminal trial — to make a no-case submission, enter a defence, or rest on the prosecution’s case. The judge reminded him that his earlier no-case submission had already been dismissed, and the court had ruled that he had a case to answer.
Kanu, however, requested a week’s adjournment to file a written address arguing that there was no valid charge pending against him.
In response, Awomolo urged the court to consider the matter closed and to adjourn for judgment, saying, “I take it that the defendant said he is not putting in any defence, because there is no valid charge against him.”
Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu’s position amounted to a defence on a point of law and advised him to consult legal experts before proceeding further.
“There is need for you to consult people who are knowledgeable in criminal prosecution to advise you on how to proceed. Please, my brother, make adequate consultation. This is criminal prosecution, not economics,” the judge advised.
The judge granted Kanu four days to file his written address and serve it on the prosecution, who would also have time to respond.
The matter was adjourned until November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence, should he decide to change his mind.
