The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, October 27, 2025, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that after reviewing his case file, he had concluded that there was no valid charge pending against him.
Kanu, who is standing trial on seven counts of terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government, stated this during the resumed hearing of his case before Justice James Omotosho. The IPOB leader had earlier written to the court expressing readiness to open his defence, indicating his intention to call witnesses and requesting the issuance of witness summons.
However, at the last sitting on Friday, Kanu sought an adjournment, explaining that his former legal team, led by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had yet to release his case file to him.
At Monday’s proceeding, Kanu told the court that since he believed the charges were unlawful and that the prosecution had failed to establish any case against him, there was no need to proceed with his defence.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho directed Kanu to file a formal written address to that effect and serve the prosecution accordingly. The judge also advised him to consult criminal law experts to understand the possible legal implications of his decision.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses—either on Kanu’s claim that no case had been made against him or for the continuation of his defence, should he choose to proceed.
