The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has dropped his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja, opting instead to make a no-case submission.
Kanu, who is facing seven counts of terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government, informed the court on Monday that he would not proceed with his defence, insisting that the prosecution had failed to establish a case against him.
At the previous sitting on Friday, the IPOB leader had requested an adjournment, explaining that his former legal team, led by ex-Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had yet to release his case file. The development delayed his initial plan to present witnesses and open his defence.
However, during the resumed hearing on Monday, Kanu told the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, that after reviewing his case file, he was convinced that the charges against him were invalid and that the Federal Government had failed to provide credible evidence to warrant his defence.
“There is no valid charge before this honourable court,” Kanu reportedly said, insisting that proceeding with a defence would be unnecessary since the prosecution had not made a prima facie case.
In response, Justice Omotosho directed the IPOB leader to file a formal written address outlining his no-case submission and serve it to the prosecution. The judge also advised Kanu to seek legal counsel from criminal law experts to fully understand the legal implications of his choice.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to November 4, 5, and 6, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses — either in support of Kanu’s no-case submission or for the commencement of his defence, should he later decide otherwise.
Kanu’s trial has drawn significant national and international attention, given his central role in the Biafran self-determination movement and the ongoing tensions between separatist groups and Nigerian authorities.
