By: Sunday Ameh
Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday refused to open his defence in the terrorism case filed against him by the Federal Government, insisting that there is no valid charge under Nigerian law.
At the resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu — who recently dismissed his legal team and chose to represent himself — told the court that after thoroughly reviewing his case file, he found no lawful basis for the charges brought against him.
“Join me in praising God. I have gone through my case file, and there is no charge against me,” Kanu said while addressing the court.
He further argued that none of the allegations leveled against him were grounded in any existing law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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,” he stated.
The IPOB leader maintained that it would be unjust to compel him to open a defence on a charge that, in his view, does not exist. He therefore urged the court to release him immediately or, alternatively, grant him bail.
Kanu has been facing trial since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021. He is accused of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his broadcasts and activities related to the separatist movement.
The Federal Government, however, maintains that the charges against Kanu are valid and insists that the case must proceed in line with due process.
The court adjourned the matter for further proceedings, with expectations that the prosecution will respond to Kanu’s latest submission.
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