Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday abandoned his earlier plan to call witnesses in his ongoing terrorism trial, insisting he has no case to answer.

At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Kanu said he had reviewed the case file and concluded that the charges against him were baseless.

Justice Omotosho had on Friday fixed Monday for Kanu to open his defence, following the defendant’s earlier complaint that his case file had not been made available to him.

In a motion filed on 21 October, Kanu had indicated his intention to call about 23 witnesses and had applied for witness summons.

However, when proceedings resumed, he told the court: “Having gone through the case file, I am convinced there is no valid charge against me. Since this trial is unlawful, there is no need to conduct any defence.”

Justice Omotosho directed him to file a written address to that effect and serve it on the prosecution, advising him to consult criminal law experts regarding the implications of his decision.

The court adjourned the matter to 4, 5, and 6 November for the adoption of final written addresses, either on the basis of Kanu’s “no case” position or for him to present his defence.