Nnamdi Kanu Insists No Charges Exist Against Him as He Begins His Defence
The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has once again declared that the terrorism charges filed against him by the Nigerian government are baseless and should be dismissed. Kanu made this statement during his court appearance on Monday, October 27, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he appeared with several documents to begin his defence.
As the court session began, prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo reminded the court that the six-day window granted to Kanu to begin and conclude his defence was already halfway through, leaving only three days remaining. In response, Kanu told the court that after carefully reviewing the documents in his case file, he discovered that there were no valid charges against him.
“There is no existing law in this country that supports the charges brought against me,” Kanu said. “If there is any, my Lord should kindly read it out. I should not be made to defend a charge that does not exist under any Nigerian law.”
Justice Omotosho interrupted to explain the proper court procedure, noting that once the prosecution closes its case, the defendant has three options—to file a no-case submission, to enter a defence, or to rely on the prosecution’s evidence. He reminded Kanu that his decision would determine the next steps in the case.
Despite the clarification, Kanu maintained that the charges were fraudulent and urged the court to release him immediately or grant him bail due to his declining health. “They are detaining me based on a fraudulent charge that the Supreme Court has already said should not exist. I am urging my Lord to release me today or grant me bail because I am not feeling well,” he added.
Prosecutor Awomolo, however, argued that Kanu’s statements indicated he had chosen to rely on the prosecution’s case, which should prompt the court to proceed to judgment. Justice Omotosho disagreed, stating that Kanu’s insistence that no valid charge existed was itself a form of defence.
The judge then advised Kanu to seek the counsel of experienced criminal lawyers who could properly guide him on his next steps. “It is my duty to explain this process to you since you are representing yourself. I must do so in the interest of justice because if I fail to, I would be held accountable before God,” the judge said.
Justice Omotosho further explained that given the unique circumstances of the case and the fact that Kanu is not a trained lawyer, the court would grant additional time for him to consult legal experts before deciding how to proceed.
While the prosecution opposed the request for more time, arguing that the court should stick to its original six-day directive, the judge ruled that justice required flexibility in this case. The trial was adjourned until November 4, 5, and 6, 2025, to allow Kanu time to either begin his defence or confirm that he would rely on the prosecution’s case.
