The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, insisting that there is no valid case against him.
At Monday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu announced that he would not proceed with his earlier plan to call witnesses, saying he had carefully reviewed his case file and found no basis for the charges brought by the Federal Government.
The court had earlier adjourned the matter on October 24 to allow Kanu open his defence after he wrote to the court expressing his intention to call witnesses and requesting additional time to study his case file.
However, when the case was called on October 27, Kanu told the court that having examined the evidence and charges, he was convinced that he had been subjected to an “unlawful trial,” and therefore saw no need to enter any defence.
“I have gone through the case file and realised there is no valid charge against me. Since there is no case, there is no need for me to open a defence,” Kanu reportedly told the court.
In response, Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to file a written address stating his position and to serve the prosecution accordingly. The judge also advised the IPOB leader to consult criminal law experts to fully understand the legal implications of his decision to forgo a defence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses—either based on the defence’s argument that no prima facie case has been established, or for the defendant to open his defence if he chooses to do so.
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his re-arrest in 2021, is facing charges bordering on terrorism and incitement. His trial continues to draw national and international attention due to its political and ethnic sensitivities.
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