JUST IN: “No valid charge against me” — Kanu declines to enter defence, says case lacks merit

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he would no longer present witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial, insisting that the charges against him are baseless.

The court had earlier adjourned the matter to October 27 for Kanu to open his defence after he indicated in writing his intention to call witnesses and even applied for witness summons.

However, when the case was called before Justice James Omotosho, Kanu made a dramatic turn, declaring that he had carefully reviewed the case file and found “no valid charge” against him.

According to him, since the charges were defective and the entire trial amounted to an unlawful process, there was no justification for him to proceed with any defence.

In response, Justice Omotosho directed the IPOB leader to put his position in a written address and serve it on the prosecution for proper record.

The judge also advised Kanu to seek the counsel of criminal law experts to understand the legal implications of his decision not to enter a defence.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses either based on Kanu’s claim that the prosecution failed to establish a case against him or, if he chooses, for him to proceed with his defence.