by Godwin Orozo, Abuja~
The trial of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, took a dramatic turn on Monday as he abandoned his earlier plan to call high-profile witnesses in his ongoing terrorism-related case before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
At the resumed proceedings, Kanu, who is defending himself after dismissing his team of lawyers, told Justice James Omotosho that he had decided not to open his defence to the seven-count charge preferred against him by the Federal Government.
“Having gone through the case file, I discovered that there is no valid charge against me,” Kanu declared from the dock. “Since the charge itself is invalid, I see no need to defend myself or call any witnesses.”
The IPOB leader had previously filed a motion, dated October 21, 2024, in which he sought the court’s approval to summon 23 witnesses, including serving and former governors, ministers, and security chiefs, to testify on his behalf.
Among those listed in his initial witness list were Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN), and ex-Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
Others included Minister of Works Dave Umahi, former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, retired General Theophilus Danjuma, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and ex-DSS Director-General Yusuf Bichi.
In the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, Kanu described the listed individuals as “vital and compellable witnesses” and requested a 90-day extension to conclude his defence, arguing that the six-day window initially granted by the court was insufficient.
However, at Monday’s hearing, he dramatically shelved the plan, insisting that the trial itself lacked legal foundation.
Reacting to the development, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to seek expert legal counsel to understand the implications of his decision to forego a defence.
“It is important you consult experts in criminal law to explain the consequences of this course of action,” the judge cautioned.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6, for the adoption of final written addresses by both the prosecution and the defence.
It will be recalled that the same court had earlier dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case warranting him to enter a defence.
Kanu, however, maintained on Monday that none of the five witnesses called by the Federal Government proved he committed any offence known to law.
“Their evidence did not link me to any act of terrorism or unlawful conduct,” he insisted.
Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 following his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria from Kenya.
