The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in the ongoing trial over alleged terrorism charges, maintaining that the prosecution has not established any valid case against him.
Kanu, who had previously indicated his intention to call witnesses and applied for a witness summons, reportedly sought additional time to review his case file.
However, at the resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, he argued that, upon a thorough examination of the file, he found no legitimate charge warranting a defence.
The IPOB leader further contended that the entire trial process was unlawful and, therefore, there was no legal basis for him to proceed with his defence.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, directed Kanu to file a formal written response outlining his position and to serve a copy on the prosecution.
The court also advised the defendant to consult criminal law experts to properly consider the potential legal consequences of his decision.
Subsequently, the matter has been adjourned until the 4th, 5th, and 6th of November for the adoption of final written addresses — subject to whether the court finds that the evidence and charges presented so far had failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendant, or if Kanu would elect to reopen his defence.
