Embattled IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday made a dramatic U-turn in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, declaring that he would no longer open his defence.
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu informed the court that after carefully reviewing the case file, he was convinced that the prosecution had failed to establish any valid charge against him.
“I have gone through the entire case file and I am satisfied that there is no valid charge before this court,” Kanu stated, insisting that he had “no case to answer” and therefore saw no reason to call witnesses.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Justice Omotosho had fixed Monday’s proceedings for Kanu to open his defence after the IPOB leader earlier complained that he had not been given access to his case file.
Kanu had, in a motion filed on Oct. 21, expressed his intention to summon about 23 witnesses to testify in his favour and had applied for witness summons. However, at Monday’s session, he told the court he had reconsidered his position after reviewing the evidence presented so far.
The judge, after listening to Kanu, directed him to file a written address formally articulating his position and to serve a copy on the prosecution.
Justice Omotosho further advised the IPOB leader to seek professional guidance from criminal law experts to fully understand the legal implications of his decision to forgo presenting a defence.
The case was subsequently adjourned to Nov. 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses. The sessions will focus on whether the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to sustain the charges or if Kanu indeed has no case to answer.
(NAN)
