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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday withdrew his earlier decision to call witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial, stating that he had no case to answer.
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu told the court that after reviewing the case file, he concluded that the charges against him were invalid and that he was being subjected to an unlawful trial.
Justice Omotosho had earlier adjourned the case to Monday to allow Kanu to begin his defence after he complained that the prosecution had not handed over the case file to him.
Kanu, in a motion filed on October 21, had indicated his intention to call 23 witnesses and asked the court to issue witness summons.
However, at Monday’s session, he told the court that after reviewing the case, he saw no reason to present a defence, as he believed the charges were baseless.
Justice Omotosho directed him to file a written address outlining his position and serve it on the prosecution.
The judge also advised him to consult criminal law experts to understand the implications of his decision.
The court adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of final written addresses, either to determine whether the prosecution has established a case or for Kanu to proceed with his defence, if necessary.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and granted bail in 2017 before fleeing the country.
He was re-arrested in 2021 and has since remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The federal government continues to prosecute him, alleging that he incited violence through IPOB’s activities and called for the secession of Nigeria’s South-East region.
Read also: Nnamdi Kanu sacks legal team, opts to defend himself in court
In a motion filed on Tuesday, Kanu informed the court of his intention to summon two categories of witnesses, material witnesses and vital and compellable witnesses, under Section 232 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Those listed as “vital and compellable” witnesses include: Theophilus Danjuma (former Minister of Defence), Tukur Buratai (former Chief of Army Staff), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor of Lagos State), Hope Uzodimma (Governor of Imo State), and Nyesom Wike (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory).
Others are Okezie Ikpeazu (former Governor of Abia State), Dave Umahi (Minister of Works), Abubakar Malami (former Attorney-General of the Federation), Ahmed Rufai (former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency), Yusuf Bichi (former Director-General of the DSS), and Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, current DSS Director-General.
