The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.
The court had earlier adjourned on October 24 till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence, following his written notice to the court indicating his intention to call witnesses and apply for witness summons.
However, at the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu told the court that he has realised that there was no valid charge against him and that evidence led so far have not established any case against him to require the he enter a defence.
Kanu argued that there is no extant law in the country on which the prosecution could premise its case.
“There is no extant law in this country upon which the prosecution can predicate the charges against me. If there’s any, let my Lord read it out to me. So, I should not enter any defence in a charge that does not exist under any law in Nigeria,” Mr Kanu said.
In response, Justice James Omotosho, directed Kanu to file a written address formally stating his position and to serve the prosecution accordingly.
Kanu thereafter asked the court to grant a one-week adjournment to enable him file a written address to support why he insisted that no valid charge was pending against him, arguing that he was subjective to needless trial and determination.
“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 told the court.
Justice Omotosho, while granting the adjournment, advised the IPOB leader to consult legal experts before proceeding further with his decision.
“There is need for you (Kanu) to consult people, who are knowledgeable in criminal prosecution to advise you on how to proceed. I am begging you in the name of God Almighty, to consult properly. I am inclined to grant you the adjournment you seek. I know you are educated, but are not a lawyer, you need to consult experts in the field. Please make adequate consultation. This is not economics. This is criminal prosecution,” Justice Omotosho said.
The court subsequently adjourned proceedings till November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of Kanu’s written address or for him to open his defence should he choose to change his mind.
