IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Declines to Enter Defence, Insists “No Case” Against Him

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier decision to call witnesses in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that there are no valid charges against him.

The development occurred on Monday during a resumed hearing of his terrorism-related trial before Justice James Omotosho, where Kanu declared that the Nigerian government had failed to establish any competent case requiring a defence.

Kanu, who had previously filed a formal application to summon witnesses, told the court that he no longer saw the need, stating: “No competent charge exists against me.”

The IPOB leader argued that he had been subjected to an unjust process, maintaining that the prosecution’s evidence fell short of proving the allegations brought against him.

In response, Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to put his new position in writing and formally serve it on the prosecution for record purposes. The judge also advised him to seek legal counsel from criminal law experts to understand the implications of waiving his right to defence.

The court adjourned the matter to November 4th, 5th, and 6th for both the defence and prosecution to file their final written addresses ahead of judgment.

Recall that Kanu had earlier named several high-profile individuals as potential witnesses in his defence, including former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Defence Minister Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Others listed were Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former NIA Director-General Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and former DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi.

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