The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday refused to open his defence in the terrorism case brought against him by the Federal Government, insisting that there is no legitimate charge against him.
Kanu, who recently dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself, made the declaration during resumed proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a dramatic session, Kanu told the court that after thoroughly reviewing his case file, he found no valid charge under Nigerian law warranting his continued trial.
“Join me in praising God,” he said. “I have gone through my case file, and there is no charge against me. There is no extant law in this country upon which the prosecution can predicate the charges against me. If there’s any, let my Lord read it out to me.”
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The IPOB leader argued that since the charges lack legal foundation, there was no basis for him to mount any defence.
“So, I should not enter any defence in a charge that does not exist under any law in Nigeria. I urge you to release me today or grant me bail,” Kanu pleaded.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government following his arrest and repatriation to Nigeria in 2021. The case has continued to generate intense public interest and legal debate across the country.