For the fourth consecutive time, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu, has refused to open his defence in the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu — who dismissed his legal team and now represents himself — maintained that there was no valid charge before the court. He insisted that the case lacked a legal foundation, arguing that the alleged offences were not supported by any existing Nigerian law.
“The records of this court show there is no law backing these charges. You cannot ask me to begin my defence when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged. I request to be released,” Kanu told the judge, urging the court to take judicial notice of his motion challenging its jurisdiction.
The IPOB leader further argued that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act under which he was being tried had been repealed. “I cannot be tried under a law that has been repealed. Prosecuting me under a repealed law is a violation of my fundamental right,” he fumed, insisting he would not return to detention unless shown a valid charge.
In response, Federal Government’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), dismissed Kanu’s arguments as baseless and aimed at delaying the proceedings. He urged the court to treat Kanu’s recently filed documents as his final written address and proceed to judgment.
However, presiding Judge James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s filings were valid and would be considered in the final decision. Acknowledging that the defendant is not a trained lawyer, Justice Omotosho granted him additional time to seek legal counsel before continuing his defence, warning that failure to do so would lead to forfeiture of that right. The matter was adjourned till Wednesday.
It would be recalled that the court had earlier rejected Kanu’s “no-case submission” and ordered him to open his defence. The IPOB leader had previously listed several prominent Nigerians — including serving governors, ministers, and retired security chiefs — as witnesses, but later reversed his decision.
Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in DSS custody since 2021 following his arrest in Kenya, faces charges bordering on terrorism, incitement, and calls for secession. Despite multiple adjournments, he continues to insist that his trial is unconstitutional and politically motivated.
