Detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu refused to open his defense on Tuesday, telling a Nigerian court that no valid legal charge exists against him and demanding his immediate release from custody.
Kanu, who now represents himself after dismissing his legal team, challenged the Federal Government’s seven count terrorism charge during proceedings. The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him under what he described as a repealed law.
“You cannot ask me to begin my defense when you have not stated the law under which I am being charged,” Kanu told the presiding judge. He filed a motion and supporting affidavit contesting the court’s authority to continue the trial.
The detained activist invoked Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, claiming the charges violate his constitutional rights. He argued that Nigeria’s Constitution contains no provision for terrorism offenses and that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act has been repealed.
Kanu also referenced an allegedly favorable Supreme Court judgment regarding his 2021 rendition from Kenya. “In Nigeria today, the Constitution is the supreme law,” he declared. “There is no valid charge against me. I will not go back to any detention today.”
The prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disputed the validity of documents Kanu submitted. Awomolo urged the court to treat the filings as Kanu’s final written address and proceed directly to judgment, accusing the defendant of wasting judicial time.
Kanu has remained in Department of State Services (DSS) custody since his controversial return to Nigeria nearly four years ago. His case continues to draw attention from supporters who view his detention as politically motivated, while the Federal Government maintains he faces legitimate terrorism related charges.
The court has yet to rule on Kanu’s jurisdictional challenge or his demand for release.
