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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, declined to open his defence in the terrorism trial brought against him by the Federal Government, insisting there is no valid charge to answer.
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu told the court that after reviewing his case file, he became convinced that the charges against him were invalid and that the entire process amounted to an unlawful trial.
“I have carefully gone through the case file, and I discovered that there is no valid charge against me,” Kanu said, stressing that it would therefore be unnecessary to mount any defence.
The IPOB leader had earlier dismissed his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), and informed the court of his decision to personally conduct his defence. He had also applied for witness summons to enable him to call witnesses.
Justice Omotosho had, on October 24, adjourned the matter to October 27 for the defendant to open his defence. However, with Kanu’s latest stance, the court directed him to file a written address outlining his position and to serve the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
In response, Justice Omotosho advised the defendant to seek expert legal counsel on the implications of his decision not to proceed with his defence.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses either on the basis that the evidence so far led by the prosecution failed to establish a case, or for Kanu to enter his defence if he chooses to do so.
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, is standing trial on terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government. He was initially arrested in 2015 over his agitation for the secession of the South-East region through IPOB, which was later declared a terrorist organisation by the government.
Kanu, who was granted bail in 2017, fled the country after a military raid on his residence in Abia State. He was later re-arrested and brought back to Nigeria in 2021 under controversial circumstances. Since then, he has faced multiple counts bordering on treasonable felony, incitement, and terrorism.