The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has declined to open his defence in his ongoing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisting that there is no valid case against him.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu told the court that after carefully reviewing the case file and the evidence presented by the prosecution, he found no credible or lawful charge to defend. The IPOB leader, who is standing trial on allegations bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, maintained that the charges brought by the Federal Government were baseless and politically motivated.
“I have gone through the case file and realized there is no valid charge against me. There is nothing for me to defend,” Kanu said while addressing the court.
His legal team, led by Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), supported his position, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case. Ozekhome urged the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, to strike out the charges and discharge his client, insisting that Kanu’s continued detention violated both domestic and international legal standards.
The prosecution, however, opposed the request, maintaining that the evidence before the court was sufficient to warrant the defendant entering his defence. Lead counsel for the Federal Government, Mr. David Kaswe, argued that the prosecution had established a strong case linking Kanu to activities threatening Nigeria’s national security.
Justice Nyako, after listening to both parties, adjourned the matter to a later date for ruling on whether Kanu has a case to answer or should be discharged.
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Kanu, who was re-arrested in 2021 after fleeing the country in 2017, has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite multiple calls from local and international groups for his release. His trial has drawn intense public attention, especially among supporters in the South-East who view his prosecution as politically driven.
Outside the court, a small crowd of Kanu’s supporters gathered, chanting solidarity songs and calling for justice. Security was tight around the court premises, with heavily armed personnel restricting movement.
The case continues to test Nigeria’s judicial independence and the government’s handling of separatist-related prosecutions.