Nnamdi Kanu Pleads for Release During Court Session

Nnamdi Kanu, the arrested leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), once again declined to begin his defense in the Federal Government’s seven-count terrorism allegation against him on Tuesday.

Kanu, who has been defending himself since firing his legal team, maintained that there was no legitimate allegation against him during the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Kanu allegedly responded, “You cannot ask me to begin my defense when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged.”

“This court’s records demonstrate that there is no legal basis for these accusations. I ask to be freed. Please take judicial notice of all the documents in front of this court, My Lord.

He insisted that he would neither file a final written address or enter a defense in the absence of a legitimate legal provision, instead asking the court to order his immediate release from DSS custody, where he has been held since 2021.

Kanu claimed that the accusations against him were unsupported by any current legislation, citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution. Additionally, he claimed that the court had violated the ruling of the Supreme Court that denounced his extraordinary rendition from Kenya.

The Constitution is the ultimate law in Nigeria today. It makes no mention of a terrorism offense. The Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act is no longer in effect. Kanu yelled from the dock, “I cannot present a defense under a repealed law.”

“Tell any lawyer to show me the valid charge,” he said, insisting that extending his trial would violate his fundamental rights. A statute that is no longer in effect cannot be used to try me.

Faults of the Prosecution Kanu’s Documents
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), lead prosecution attorney, questioned Kanu’s court submissions’ competency, characterizing them as flawed and devoid of probative value.

“The defendant is merely squandering the time of the court. Awomolo informed the court that his materials were incompetent and were to be ignored.

He pleaded with Justice Omotosho to consider the documents as Kanu’s last written statement before rendering a decision.

Judge Omotosho decided that the defendant’s papers would be taken into consideration at judgment, dismissing the prosecution’s objection.

The judge stated that since Kanu is not an attorney, the court has noted that he should be given another chance to speak with legal counsel.

The judge issued a warning, saying, “If he does not open his defense within the time allotted, the court will foreclose his right to defend himself.”

After that, the case was postponed until Wednesday, when Kanu is anticipated to either present his defense or give up the opportunity to do so.