Nnamdi Kanu Demands Release, Says He Has No Case to Answer

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has urged the Federal Government to release him, insisting that he has no case to answer in the terrorism trial brought against him.

Kanu, who appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, declined to open his defence on the seven-count charge, arguing that there was no valid law backing the allegations.

Representing himself after dismissing his legal team, Kanu told the court that without a valid charge, there was no legal basis for him to proceed with his defence or exchange final written addresses with the Federal Government.

“You cannot ask me to begin my defence when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged. There is no valid charge against me,” Kanu said.

He urged the court to take judicial notice of his filed motion and supporting affidavit challenging its jurisdiction, arguing that the offences alleged against him are unknown to any existing Nigerian law.

Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Kanu maintained that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act had been repealed and could not serve as the basis for his prosecution.

“I cannot be tried under a repealed law. Prosecuting me under a law that no longer exists violates my fundamental rights,” he stated, adding that his continued detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 was unconstitutional.

The prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), countered Kanu’s arguments, describing his motions as lacking legal weight. He urged the court to deem Kanu’s latest filings as his final written address and proceed to judgment.

Kanu has repeatedly maintained that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya violated both Nigerian and international law, insisting the court has no jurisdiction to continue his trial.