Nnamdi Kanu Insists on No Case to Answer, Demands Immediate Release as Court Warns of Closing Defence

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, once again refused to open his defence in the terrorism trial brought against him by the Federal Government, insisting that he has no case to answer and should be released immediately.

At the resumed hearing in Abuja, Kanu, who is representing himself after dismissing his legal team, told the court that the charges against him are not backed by any valid law. He urged the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, to take judicial notice of his motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction and to order his release from the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been held since 2021.

“You cannot ask me to begin my defence when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged. There is no law backing these charges. I request to be released,” Kanu said from the dock.

Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, Kanu argued that the alleged offences have no basis in existing law and accused the court of disregarding a Supreme Court ruling that condemned his extraordinary rendition from Kenya. He maintained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed and that continuing his trial under it would violate his constitutional rights.

“I cannot be tried under a repealed law. Show me the valid charge against me. I will not go back to detention today,” he declared.

Prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), dismissed the documents Kanu filed as lacking legal weight and asked the court to treat them as his final written address so judgment could be delivered. He accused the defendant of wasting judicial time.

Justice Omotosho, however, ruled that Kanu’s filings were competent and would be considered. The judge noted that since Kanu is not a lawyer, he would be given one final opportunity to consult counsel. The court warned that if Kanu failed to present his defence within the allotted time, his right to do so would be forfeited. The matter was adjourned until Wednesday.

This marks the fourth time Kanu has declined to open his defence. In October, the court had directed him to do so after rejecting his no-case submission. Although he initially listed 23 individuals — including state governors, ministers, and former security chiefs — as witnesses, he later withdrew that plan.

The Federal Government accuses Kanu of leading a separatist movement seeking the secession of Nigeria’s South-East region and of inciting violence through his broadcasts. Kanu maintains his innocence, arguing that the prosecution has failed to establish any credible case against him.