“Join Me in Praising God, There Is No Charge Against Me” — Nnamdi Kanu Declares as He Withdraws Plan to Call Witnesses in Ongoing Terrorism Trial

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has withdrawn his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja, where he faces terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.

Kanu, who had previously applied for a witness summons, surprised the court on Monday by announcing that he would no longer proceed with the plan. He explained that after thoroughly reviewing his case file, he had concluded that there was no valid charge against him under any law in Nigeria.

Speaking passionately before the court, Kanu declared, “Join me in praising God. I have gone through my case file, and there is no charge against me.”

Continuing, the IPOB leader stated, “There is no extant law in this country upon which the prosecution can predicate the charges against me. If there’s any, let my Lord read it out to me.

“So, I should not enter any defence in a charge that does not exist under any law in Nigeria. I urge you to release me today or grant me bail.”

In response, Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, directed Kanu to put his position into writing. The judge advised him to file a written address formally stating his stance and serve the same on the prosecution.

Justice Omotosho, however, cautioned Kanu to seek professional legal advice before making a final decision.

“You should consult experts in criminal law on the consequences of the option you have chosen,” the judge warned.

The case, which had earlier been adjourned to October 27 for Kanu to open his defence, has now been rescheduled to November 4, 5, and 6, when both the defence and the prosecution will adopt their final written addresses.

At the next sittings, the court is expected to consider Kanu’s latest argument that the charges and evidence presented by the prosecution have failed to establish a case requiring his defence.

This latest move marks a major turning point in Kanu’s long-drawn legal battle, which has continued to attract both national and international attention. Supporters of the IPOB leader view his declaration as a sign of confidence, while legal analysts are now keenly watching to see how the court will interpret his claim that no lawful charge exists to justify his trial or continued detention.