The detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his defence in his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.

The court had on October 24 adjourned till October 27 for Kanu to open his defence. Kanu had written to the court, indicating his intention to call witnesses and applied for witness summons.He had named his witnesses to include Gen. Danjuma, Gen. Buratai, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Hope Uzodinma (Imo), FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Works Minister Dave Umahi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami (SAN), ex-NIA DG Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, and SSS boss Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

Former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, is listed to speak on custody conditions and the agency’s role in the operation.

An unnamed DSS officer directly involved in the rendition will be cross-examined on alleged fabrication of statements and custodial abuse.

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), is expected to testify on the chain of command during the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s home, while Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, will testify on the controversial proscription of IPOB by the South-East Governors Forum (SEGF).Former governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, will testify on his administration’s role during the military operation in Umuahia, and Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will clarify public statements he made following the assassination of Ahmed Gulak.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, who governed Rivers State during the 2020 Obigbo crisis, is to testify on the military crackdown that followed the #EndSARS protests, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will testify on the findings of the Lagos #EndSARS Judicial Panel, particularly the Lekki Toll Gate incident.Former Defence Minister, Gen Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), is listed to speak on his 2018 statement warning Nigerians to defend themselves against state-backed violence.However, when the case was called on Monday, Kanu said he had reviewed the case file and realised there was no valid charge against him.

He argued that since he is convinced that there is no valid charge against him and that he was subjected to an unlawful trial, there would be no need for him to conduct any defence.Justice James Omotosho asked him to file a written address to that effect and to serve it on the prosecution.Justice Omotosho advised him to consult experts in criminal law on the consequences of the option he has chosen.

The judge adjourned proceedings to 4, 5, and 6 November for the final written addresses, based on the defendant’s contention that the evidence presented so far and the charge do not establish any case against him, or for the defendant to enter his defence.