Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has unexpectedly backed out of his plan to call defence witnesses in his current terrorism trial.
The court had last sat on October 24, adjourning the matter specifically to allow Kanu to open his defence, a process he had initiated by notifying the court and requesting witness summonses.
However, when proceedings began on Monday, October 27, Kanu told the court he would not proceed with a defence.
He asserted that a review of the case file led him to conclude that the prosecution had failed to establish a valid charge against him.
Consequently, he argued, he should not be required to present a defense in what he considers an unlawful trial.
Justice James Omotosho asked him to file a written address to that effect and serve the prosecution.
He advised him to consult experts in criminal law on the consequences of the option he has chosen.
Following the defendant’s assertion that the prosecution’s evidence and charges failed to establish a case against him, the judge adjourned the proceedings until November 4-6.
The court will now meet on those dates specifically for the adoption of final written addresses, effectively bypassing the need for the defendant to formally open his defence.
Details shortly…
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