By Ademola Adekusibe
October 27, 2025.
The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has abandoned his earlier intention to call witnesses to testify in his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial against him.
Kanu had previously notified the Federal High Court in Abuja of his plan to summon witnesses by submitting a formal request for witness summons. However, at Monday’s hearing before Justice James Omotosho, he announced that after carefully reviewing the case file, he found no legitimate charges filed against him.
The IPOB leader argued that the entire proceedings amounted to an unfair trial, insisting that there was no reason to present any defence in a case that, according to him, lacks substance.
Justice Omotosho instructed Kanu to file a written statement explaining his position and to ensure that a copy is served on the prosecution. The judge also advised him to consult criminal law experts to understand the implications of his decision to forgo a defence.
Following this development, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6, 2025, to allow both parties to file and adopt their final written addresses. The court is expected to decide whether the evidence and charges presented by the prosecution are sufficient to establish a prima facie case that would require Kanu to enter a defence.
