Kanu drops plan to present defence, files no-case submission

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism filed by the Federal Government, informed the court on Monday that he no longer intended to present a defence, insisting instead that there was no valid case against him.

At the last sitting on Friday, Kanu had requested an adjournment, citing difficulties in accessing his case file, which was still with his former legal team led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN).

The IPOB leader had previously written to the court indicating his readiness to open his defence and call witnesses, even seeking the issuance of witness summons.

However, at Monday’s resumed hearing, Kanu told the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, that after reviewing the case file, he concluded that the charges were baseless and that the prosecution had failed to establish any case against him.

Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to file a formal written address outlining his no-case submission and to serve it on the prosecution. Mm

The judge also advised him to seek expert legal guidance on the potential implications of his decision.

The case was subsequently adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, either in support of Kanu’s no-case submission or for the continuation of his defence, depending on the court’s determination.