Nnamdi Kanu, the arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), once more declined to begin his defense on Tuesday in the seven-count terrorism allegation that the Federal Government has brought against him.
Kanu, who has been defending himself since firing his legal team, claimed that there was no legitimate allegation against him during the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Kanu reportedly responded, “You cannot ask me to begin my defense when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged.”
According to the court’s records, these accusations are not supported by any legal evidence. I want to be let go. Kindly take judicial notice of all the documents in front of this court, My Lord.
He insisted that the court order his immediate release from DSS custody, where he has been held since 2021, and that he would not file a final written address or enter a defense in the absence of a legitimate legal provision.
Kanu said that there was no legal basis for the accusations against him, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, he claimed that the court had disregarded the Supreme Court’s ruling against his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The Constitution is currently Nigeria’s highest law. It doesn’t contain any provisions for terrorism offenses. The Act that prohibited and prevented terrorism has been repealed. “I am unable to present a defense under a law that has been repealed,” Kanu yelled from the dock.
“Tell any lawyer to show me the valid charge,” he said, insisting that carrying out his trial would violate his fundamental rights. I can’t be tried under a statute that doesn’t exist anymore.
Errors in Prosecution The Files of Kanu
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), lead prosecution attorney, questioned Kanu’s court submissions, characterizing them as flawed and devoid of probative value.
“The defendant is merely squandering the time of the court.” “His documents should be ignored because he is incompetent,” Awomolo informed the court.
He pleaded with Justice Omotosho to consider the documents as Kanu’s last written statement before rendering a verdict.
The prosecution’s objection was dismissed by Justice Omotosho, who also decided that the defendant’s papers would be taken into account at judgment.
The judge stated that the court had noted that Kanu is not an attorney and should be given another chance to seek legal advice.
“If he doesn’t open his defense within the time given, the court will foreclose his right to defend himself,” the judge said.
Kanu is anticipated to either submit his defense or lose his right to do so on Wednesday, when the case was subsequently postponed.
