Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed reports claiming its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, forfeited his right to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that Kanu never forfeited his defence as alleged.
“The claim that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has forfeited his right of defence is a desperate lie meant to mislead the public and cover up an illegal process,” the group said.
IPOB maintained that Kanu’s trial “is a sham,” arguing that there is no valid law under which he was charged. It said neither Justice Omotosho nor the lead government prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had cited any subsisting law allegedly violated by Kanu.
“Their silence speaks volumes — it is a quiet confession that this entire case has no legal foundation,” the statement added.
Quoting Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, IPOB stressed that no one can be convicted of a criminal offence unless the offence is clearly defined and the penalty prescribed in a written law.
“Instead of obeying this clear rule, Justice Omotosho keeps trying to force Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to open his defence, as if pretending there’s a valid case will make it real. You cannot force a man to defend himself against a ghost charge,” IPOB said.
The group reaffirmed its support for Kanu’s decision not to open his defence, saying doing so would only “legitimise an illegality.”
IPOB also faulted the court’s decision to fix judgment for November 20 without allowing the submission of final written addresses by both parties, describing it as “laughable and unheard of in criminal law.”
