The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has withdrawn his earlier decision to call witnesses in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that there are no legitimate charges against him.
The development occurred on Monday during the court session where Kanu, who is standing trial on terrorism-related allegations, told Justice James Omotosho that after a careful review of the prosecution’s case file, he concluded that the Nigerian government had failed to establish any valid charge to warrant a defence.
Kanu, who had earlier filed a formal application to summon witnesses in his defense, told the court that the decision was no longer necessary since, in his words, “no competent charge exists against me.”
The Biafran leader argued that he had been subjected to an unjust process and that the evidence tendered by the prosecution did not in any way prove the allegations brought against him by the Nigerian government.
In response, Justice Omotosho advised Kanu to put his new position into writing and formally serve it on the prosecution team, noting that it was crucial for the court record.
The judge further suggested that Kanu seeks legal advice from criminal law experts to fully understand the implications of his decision to forgo a defence.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 4th, 5th, and 6th, to allow both the defence and the prosecution to file their final written addresses before judgment.
Recall that Kanu earlier named former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami and several prominent Nigerians as witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Those also listed include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike; former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Others named are Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; immediate past Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar; and former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi.
Credit: Sahara Reporters