Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, has declined to open his defence, insisting the Federal Government has no valid charge against him.
At Monday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, in Abuja, Kanu announced that after finally receiving and reviewing his case file, he found no basis for the charges against him.
He requested one week to file a written address instead of calling witnesses.
Lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, strongly opposed the request, arguing that the court had already granted Kanu six days to conclude his defence, two of which had been lost.
Awomolo insisted the case could not be allowed to drag indefinitely, stressing that the defendant had been fully aware of the charges since his plea was taken and witnesses were cross-examined.
Justice Omotosho cautioned Kanu about the implications of representing himself, describing him as a “layman” in legal practice, and advised him to seek guidance from persons knowledgeable in criminal law.
The court adjourned the case until Tuesday, November 4, for either the opening of Kanu’s defence or the adoption of his written address.
