Kanu Drops Intention to Call Witnesses, Stands Firm on No-Case Claim

Nnamdi Kanu, has decided against bringing forward any evidence or testimonies in his current court case, maintaining instead that the authorities have put forward no solid grounds to hold him accountable.

Kanu faces seven accusations of terrorism levelled by the central government. During Monday’s session at the Federal High Court in Abuja, he informed the judge that a fresh look at the documents had convinced him the claims were without basis, leaving nothing for him to counter.

This marks a sharp turn from his earlier stance. Just last Friday, Kanu had sought a delay in proceedings, explaining that his previous lawyers, headed by a former top legal officer, had not yet handed over the full records of his matter. At that point, he had signalled his willingness to start mounting a response and even asked the court to summon potential supporters to speak on his behalf.

The presiding judge, James Omotosho, instructed Kanu to put his arguments in writing and share them with the prosecution team. He also suggested seeking advice from specialists in criminal matters to grasp the potential outcomes of this choice. The hearing will resume on 4, 5, and 6 November, when both sides can present their closing statements—either challenging the lack of proof against him or moving ahead if he changes course.