Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has formally abandoned his earlier plan to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, opting instead to file a no-case submission.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu informed Justice James Omotosho that after reviewing the case file, he had concluded that there was no valid charge against him. This marks a significant shift from his previous stance, where he had indicated readiness to call up to 23 witnesses, including prominent figures such as former military generals, sitting governors, and federal ministers.
Kanu’s legal team had earlier requested an adjournment, citing delays in receiving the case file from his former counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN). However, upon obtaining and examining the documents, Kanu stated that the charges lacked merit and that he was being subjected to an unlawful trial.
“I have gone through the case file and I am convinced there is no valid charge against me,” Kanu told the court. “There is no need to enter any defence when there is no case to answer.”
Justice Omotosho acknowledged Kanu’s decision and adjourned the matter to allow the court to consider the no-case submission. The outcome of this legal maneuver could determine whether the trial proceeds or is dismissed entirely.