The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At Monday’s hearing, Kanu told the court that he would no longer present witnesses because, according to him, there is no valid charge or evidence against him to justify entering a defence. He insisted that the prosecution had failed to establish any case, linking him to the alleged offences.
The court had earlier fixed October 27 for Kanu to open his defence after the prosecution closed its case. Kanu had also written to the court indicating his intention to call witnesses and had applied for witness summons.
During the proceeding, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), appeared with his team, while Kanu represented himself, having dismissed his previous lawyers. Awomolo reminded the court that the purpose of the day’s session was for the defendant to open his defence.
Kanu, standing in the dock, declared that he had reviewed the entire case file and concluded that “there is no existing law or valid charge” under which he could be tried. He stated:
> “There is no case against me. If there is no case, it will be pointless for me to enter any defence.”
According to Mediaplusng.com, the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, paused the session to explain the legal options available to a defendant in a criminal trial. He clarified that after the prosecution closes its case, a defendant may:
1. File a no-case submission,
2. Enter a defence if the submission fails or
3. Rest on the prosecution’s case and address the court in writing.
Justice Omotosho also reminded Kanu that the court had earlier ruled against his no-case submission, holding that he indeed had a case to answer.
Kanu, however, maintained his stance, insisting there was no valid charge and requested a one-week adjournment to file a written address explaining his position.
In response, Awomolo said Kanu’s declaration indicated he had completed his defence and urged the court to proceed to judgment. He explained that if Kanu’s argument was treated as his final address, the prosecution would respond before the court delivers judgment.
Justice Omotosho disagreed slightly, noting that Kanu was not completely waiving his right to defend himself but was challenging the validity of the charges — which also constitutes a form of defence.
The judge then advised Kanu to seek legal guidance before proceeding further.
> “You are educated, but you are not a lawyer,” Justice Omotosho said. “Please consult experts in criminal law. I beg you in the name of God Almighty to get proper advice. Criminal cases are different from every other case.”
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, the judge also disclosed that he had considered assigning legal aid to Kanu after he dismissed his defence team, but the IPOB leader refused and insisted on defending himself.
The court has now granted Kanu four days to file his written address and serve it on the prosecution, which will have time to reply before the next sitting.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence, should he change his mind.
