Monday, August 3, 2026

IPOB Terrorism: Nnamdi Kanu abandons plan to defend himself, declares trial illegal

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence.

• October 27, 2025
Nnamdi Kanu
IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday, abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence.

Mr Kanu, upon resumption of hearing in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, that he had perused the case file with the conclusion that he has no case to answer.

Justice Omotosho had, on Friday, fixed today for Mr Kanu to open his defence following his complaint that the case file was yet to be handed over to him.

The IPOB leader had, in a motion filed on October 21, informed the court of his intention to call about 23 witnesses and to apply for a witness summons.

But when the case was called on Monday, Mr Kanu said he had reviewed the case file and realised there was no valid charge against him.

The IPOB lynchpin argued that, since he was convinced there was no valid charge against him and that he had been subjected to an unlawful trial, there was no need for him to mount a defence.

The judge then asked Mr Kanu to file a written address to that effect and to serve it on the prosecution. The judge advised him to consult criminal law experts on the consequences of the option he had chosen.

The judge consequently adjourned the matter until November 4, 5, and 6 for the adoption of the final written addresses based on the defendant’s position that the evidence led so far and the charge had not established any case against him or for the defendant to enter his defence.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NEMA

States

NEMA seeks collaboration against fire disasters in Kaduna

NEMA called for stronger collaboration and investment in fire prevention in Kaduna State.

Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

Economy

Petroleum engineers advocate energy sector collaboration

Mr Nwaochei said Nigeria’s energy future would depend on strong leadership, sound policies, technological innovation and sustained collaboration.

Navy dismantles militants' hideout in Cross River’s coastal community

States

Navy dismantles militants’ hideout in Cross River’s coastal community

The navy said militants used the hideout to terrorise coastal communities in the state.

A scene from the drone strike on Wildberries

World

Ukraine drone strike targets Russia’s largest retailer

Ukraine launched a drone strike on the warehouse of Russia’s largest online retail outlet, Wildberries, popularly called Russia’s Amazon.

Mel Barlow

World

Mel Barlow appointed new British high commissioner to Brunei Darussalam

Ms Barlow will succeed Alexandra McKenzie and officially assume office in September.

Seyi Makinde

NationWide

Makinde best consensus opposition presidential candidate for 2027: Lagos APM

The party said its position is based on Mr Makinde’s leadership record, governance style and performance rather than political sentiment or convenience.