The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has discarded his prior plan to present witnesses in his defense during his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism.
Appearing before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, Kanu, who is representing himself after sacking his previous lawyers, told the court he had reviewed his case files and determined “there was no valid charge against him.”
He maintained that since the evidence presented so far had “not established any case against him” and “there is no extant law in the country on which the prosecution could premise its case,” it would be “futile for me to enter any defence.”
Read Also:Moment Kanu Defended Self In Court After His Lawyers Withdrew From Trial [VIDEO]
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, had previously adjourned the case until October 27 for Kanu to open his defense. Kanu had earlier formally communicated his “intention to call witnesses” and applied for “witness summons.”
The prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to adjourn for judgment, stating he took it “that the defendant said he is not putting in any defence, because there is no valid charge against him.”
Awomolo submitted that Kanu’s position was “conclusive of the defendant’s defence” since Kanu had already pleaded not guilty and participated in the cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses.
Justice Omotosho intervened to clarify the legal options available to Kanu in a criminal trial, noting that a defendant can choose to “rest on the prosecution’s case, and then file a written address.”
The judge pointed out that Kanu was not “outrightly saying he has no defence, but that the charge against him cannot be.” He affirmed, “That is also a defence.”
Despite having earlier ruled against Kanu’s no-case submission, which the judge noted still “subsists,” Justice Omotosho urged Kanu to reconsider his decision, stating:“I am begging you in the name of God Almighty, to consult properly. I am inclined to grant you the adjournment you seek. “I am inclined to give him the opportunity to consult those, who are knowledgeable in criminal law. “I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer, you need to consult experts in the field. Please make adequate consultation. This is not economics. This is criminal prosecution.”
The judge granted Kanu four days from Monday to file his written address, which would then be served on the prosecution for a reply.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned the case until November 4, 5, and 6 for either the adoption of the final written addresses or for Kanu to open his defense should he “chose to change his mind.”
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
