Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has decided not to present a defence in his terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The announcement came on Monday during the resumed hearing, marking Kanu’s first major move since he dismissed his lawyers last week to represent himself.
Kanu, a dual citizen of Nigeria and the United Kingdom, argued that the charges against him lacked merit and did not require a defence.
He faces accusations of using social media to incite violence that led to killings and property destruction in the South-east. His earlier no-case submission was dismissed by the court.
Prior to this decision, Kanu had requested the court to summon 23 witnesses, including former and current public officials, and asked for 90 days to complete his defence.
However, he later terminated his legal team, led by former Attorney-General Kanu Agabi, and opted to defend himself.
Judge James Omotosho cautioned him about the legal consequences.
Omotosho directed him to file a written address to that effect and serve the prosecution.
The judge also advised him to consult experts in criminal law on the implications of the decision he had taken.
The court adjourned the case till 4, 5 and 6 November for the adoption of final written addresses based on Mr Kanu’s position that the prosecution had not established any case against him.
