The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dropped his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism-related offenses. At the last hearing on October 24, the court adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to begin his defense. The IPOB leader had previously written to the court expressing his intention to summon witnesses and requested more time to review his case file.
However, when the matter was called on Monday, Kanu told the court that after thoroughly reviewing the case file, he found no valid charge against him. He argued that since he believed the charges were baseless and his trial unlawful, there was no need for him to present any defense.
Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to file a written address to formally present his position and to serve the prosecution with a copy. The judge also advised him to seek legal counsel from criminal law experts to fully understand the implications of his decision.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, based on Kanu’s stance that the evidence and charges so far have failed to establish any case against him, or, alternatively, for him to proceed with his defense if he chooses to do so.