Kanu Refuses to Defend Terrorism Case, Says Charges Invalid

By Peter Salami

The trial of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Monday as he withdrew his plan to call witnesses in his defence, insisting there is no valid charge against him.

At the resumed hearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu, who had earlier dismissed his legal team and elected to defend himself, told the court from the dock that he would no longer open his defence.

According to him, after reviewing the case file, he found “no valid charge” that required him to present evidence or call witnesses. “Having been subjected to an unlawful trial, there is no need for me to offer any defence,” Kanu said.

The IPOB leader, who has been in detention since 2021, had previously asked the court to summon 23 prominent Nigerians, including serving governors, ministers, and former security chiefs, to testify on his behalf. He had also sought 90 days to call and conclude his witnesses’ testimonies, instead of the six days earlier allotted by the court.

Among those listed in his earlier motion were Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (retired).

Others included the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, former Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former DSS Director-General, Yusuf Bichi.

However, Kanu abandoned the plan on Monday, prompting the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, to adjourn the case until November 5 and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses by both sides.

Before adjourning, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to seek professional legal counsel on the implications of his decision to forgo his defence, warning that it could have legal consequences.

The development came after the same court had earlier dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to enter a defence.

Kanu had argued that the five witnesses presented by the Federal Government failed to prove any of the seven terrorism-related counts against him, insisting that none of the alleged offences was supported by credible evidence or known to Nigerian law.

The court, however, disagreed, holding that the prosecution had presented sufficient material to warrant a full trial. With Kanu now refusing to defend himself, the long-running case is expected to move toward its final stage when the court reconvenes in November.