Proceedings in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Nnamdi Kanu took a decisive turn today before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

During the hearing, Nnamdi Kanu, who appeared in person, firmly maintained that there is no valid or subsisting charge known to law against him. Despite repeated cajoling and pressure from the judge and the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Kanu insisted that the learned silk should read into the record or restate the law under which he is being charged and asked to enter a defence.

Chief Awomolo, SAN, was unable to identify any existing legal provision creating the offence alleged against Kanu, effectively confirming the defendant’s long-standing position that the entire proceeding lacks a legal foundation.

Justice Omotosho, in response, directed Kanu to file a written address within four (4) days on the validity of the charge and serve same on the prosecution. The Court expressly resisted all attempts by the prosecution to convert the forthcoming address into a final defence address, emphasising that the issue before the court remains the validity of the charge itself, not the merits of any defence.

Today’s development underscores Kanu’s unyielding stance that his continued trial constitutes an unlawful process, being anchored on no known or valid law. His position remains clear: “There can be no defence where there is no valid charge.”

As soon as the court or prosecution team identify any known law that is extant and subsisting in Nigeria’s corpus juris, Kanu will enter his defence and witnesses he listed will be called.