Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Monday abandoned his intention to call witnesses in his defence, stating that he believes he has no case to answer in his ongoing trial.
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu said he had thoroughly reviewed the case file and concluded that the charges against him were invalid. He insisted that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not establish any wrongdoing.
The court had previously scheduled the hearing for the defence to open its case after Kanu complained that he had not been given access to the full case file. In a motion dated 21 October, he had indicated plans to call around 23 witnesses and had requested witness summons.
However, when the matter was called on Monday, Kanu declared there was no need to proceed with calling witnesses, arguing that his trial was unlawful and unsupported by credible charges.
Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to file a formal written address outlining his position and serve it on the prosecution. The judge further advised him to seek the guidance of criminal law experts regarding the implications of his decision.
The court adjourned the case to 4, 5 and 6 November for the adoption of final written addresses, either based on the argument that no case has been established against Kanu or for him to enter his defence should the court decide otherwise.
