The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that there is no valid case against him in his ongoing terrorism trial.

At the resumed hearing, Kanu, who represented himself after dismissing his legal team, said he found no lawful grounds for the charges filed by the Federal Government.
“There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence,” he told the court.

Kanu, who has been in custody since his re-arrest in 2021, had earlier indicated plans to call witnesses but instead chose to file a written address, maintaining that the prosecution failed to establish any offence.

Lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), reminded the court that the sitting was scheduled for the defendant to open his defence. However, Kanu stood by his position that there were no charges requiring a defence.

Presiding Judge, Justice James Omotosho, outlined the defendant’s options after the prosecution closed its case to enter a defence, file a no-case submission, or rest on the prosecution’s case while presenting a written address.

The judge cautioned Kanu to seek legal guidance before proceeding further.
“Please, make adequate consultation. This is criminal prosecution,” Justice Omotosho advised, stressing his duty to ensure the defendant fully understood the implications of self-representation.

After deliberations, the court granted Kanu four days to file and serve his written address on the prosecution and adjourned proceedings to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence if he decides otherwise.

Kanu faces multiple terrorism-related charges, including allegations of inciting violence and leading a proscribed organisation.