October 27, (THEWILL) — Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, declined to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government, insisting that the charges lack legal validity.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count amended charge bordering on treason and terrorism, had previously indicated plans to call 23 witnesses to prove his innocence.
However, at the resumed hearing before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the IPOB leader told the court that after thoroughly reviewing the case file, he found no legitimate charge to defend.
He argued that the charges were “defective and without merit,” adding that proceeding with his defence would amount to validating what he described as an unlawful trial.
Kanu urged the court to either strike out the case or grant him bail, stressing that his continued detention violated his fundamental rights.
“I have gone through every document filed in this matter and discovered that there is no valid charge before this court. If there is no legal charge, then there is nothing for me to defend,” he said.
Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, directed Kanu to file a formal written address detailing his position to allow the prosecution an opportunity to respond before the court makes a ruling.
The judge also advised the IPOB leader to seek the counsel of legal practitioners versed in criminal law to fully understand the implications of refusing to enter a defence, cautioning that such a move could affect the outcome of the trial.
Justice Omotosho granted Kanu’s request for additional time to file his written address and adjourned the matter for one week.
The case was fixed for November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses.
At the next sittings, the court is expected to determine whether the prosecution’s evidence is sufficient to sustain the charges or if Kanu should be discharged.
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