Nnamdi Kanu makes no-case submission, dumps plan to enter defence
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday during court proceedings, declined his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court Abuja.
Kanu is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, which was filed against him by the Federal Government.
The IPOB leader had requested an adjournment from the court on Friday after informing the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, that he was yet to receive his case file from his former legal team.
Kanu had earlier said he was prepared to proceed with his defence, informing the court of his intention to summon witnesses, amongst whom were the former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Kanu however told the court on Monday during proceedings, that he had concluded there was no valid charge against him after reviewing the case file.
He contended that the charges against him were unlawful and that no case had been successfully established by the prosecution, and as such, he was not going to proceed with his defence.
Kanu argued that there is no extant law in the country on which the prosecution could premise its case, adding: “There is no case against me. If there is no case against me, it will be futile for me to enter any defence.”
The judge however stated that he had earlier ruled on Kanu’s no-case submission and held that he had a case to answer, adding that the ruling subsisted.
Kanu requested one week adjournment from the court to enable him file a written address backing his claim.
“I need a week to file a written address to the effect that there is no charge against me. If there is no extant law in Nigeria on which the charge could stand, there cannot be a case. You must please release me today or grant bail,” he said.
Justice Omotosho gave Kanu four days from Monday to file his written address, which would be served to the prosecution to enable them file their reply, while advising Kanu to consult criminal law experts, in order to appreciate the legal implications of his decision.
The case was then adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of the written address, based either on his no-case submission or to continue with his defence on the occasion that he changed his mind.
