The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that there is no valid charge against him.

When the case resumed on Monday, Kanu informed the court that after reviewing the case files, he found that the evidence presented by the prosecution did not establish any offence against him.

He said, “I have realised that there is actually no charge against me. There is no extant law in the country on which the prosecution could premise its case. If there is no case against me, it will be futile to enter any defence.”

The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, reminded Kanu that the court had earlier ruled on his no-case submission and held that he had a case to answer.

Justice Omotosho then explained the options available to a defendant in such circumstances — to make a no-case submission, to rest on the prosecution’s case and file a written address, or to open a defence.

Kanu opted to file a written address to argue that no valid charge existed against him. “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 stated.

Responding, the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to adjourn for judgment, noting that Kanu’s refusal to enter a defence effectively closed the case.

Justice Omotosho, however, clarified that Kanu’s argument that the charge was invalid still constituted a form of defence, which required a written submission.

The judge advised Kanu to consult legal experts before proceeding further, saying:

“There is need for you to consult people who are knowledgeable in criminal prosecution to advise you on how to proceed. I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer. Please, make adequate consultation. This is not economics — this is criminal prosecution.”

Justice Omotosho granted Kanu four days to file his written address and serve it on the prosecution, which will then reply. The case was adjourned until November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of written addresses or for Kanu to open his defence, should he change his mind.