Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu has for the third time declined to open his defence, abandoning his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.
When proceedings commenced, Kanu said he has gone through the case-file and has realised that there is no valid charge against him.
He argued that since he is convinced that there is no valid charge against him and that he was subjected to unlawful trial, there would no be need for him to conduct any defense, urging the court to either grant him bail or discharge him.
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The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho asked Kanu to file a written address to that effect and serve the prosecution, while advising him to consult lawyers who are knowledgeable in criminal prosecution so that they explain better what the implications are in the decision he has taken.
Justice Omotosho however noted that he is inclined to adjourn in Kanu’s favour, following the defendant request for one week to file his address.
The judge then adjourned till November 4, 5 and 6 for the adoption of the final written addresses based on the defendant’s position that evidence led so far and the charge have not established any case against him or for the defendant to enter his defence.
The court had on October 24 adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence. Kanu had informed the court, on his intention to call witnesses and applied for witness summons.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
