The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier decision to call witnesses in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court, Abuja, insisting that there are no legitimate charges against him.
The development occurred on Monday during proceedings before Justice James Omotosho, where Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related allegations, declared that after reviewing the prosecution’s case file, he was convinced that the Nigerian government had failed to establish any valid charge to warrant his defence.
Kanu told the court that he initially planned to summon witnesses to testify in his favour but had since changed his mind. He stated that the evidence tendered by the prosecution was insufficient and failed to prove any of the allegations brought against him.
“I have carefully examined the prosecution’s case and concluded that no competent charge exists against me. Therefore, there is no need to call any witnesses,” Kanu said.
Justice Omotosho, in response, advised the IPOB leader to formally communicate his new position to the court in writing and ensure that a copy is served on the prosecution. The judge noted that the move was necessary for proper documentation in the court record.
He also counselled Kanu to seek legal advice from criminal law experts to fully understand the implications of his decision to forgo a defence at this stage of the trial.
Following the development, the court adjourned the matter to November 4th, 5th, and 6th for the adoption of final written addresses by both the defence and prosecution before judgment.
It will be recalled that Kanu had earlier filed a formal application seeking to call several prominent Nigerians as witnesses in his defence. Those he had listed included former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd).
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Others named were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; immediate past Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi.
Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 following his re-arrest and extradition from Kenya, is facing multiple counts bordering on terrorism and acts allegedly threatening Nigeria’s unity. He continues to maintain his innocence, insisting that his prosecution is politically motivated.
