By Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!On Monday, October 27, 2025, the media was awash with reports that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, had abandoned his earlier plan to open his defence and instead opted to file a no-case submission before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu informed the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, that after reviewing the case file, he had concluded that there was no valid charge against him and that the prosecution had failed to establish any prima facie case. Proceeding with a defence, he argued, would amount to validating what he described as an “unlawful and baseless prosecution.”
For eight years, I had the privilege of serving the Igbo — first as President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, and later as the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. During those years, I was deeply involved in discussions concerning the welfare and safety of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
When he was granted bail in April 2017, Chief Nnia Nwodo, the then President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, was among the first Igbo dignitaries to hold private discussions with him. On Kanu’s arrival at Chief Nwodo’s residence in GRA, Enugu, I personally received him and led him in to meet the host. The meeting was cordial and productive; we shared thoughts and took photographs together.
When friction arose between Ohanaeze and IPOB, I was at Ukpor, Anambra State, in the country home of the late Chief Mbazulike Amechi, who graciously hosted both delegations. The Ohanaeze team was led by Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, while IPOB was represented by Barrister Aloy Ejimakor. After an honest and invaluable dialogue, Chief Amechi concluded that both groups shared a convergence on the Igbo predicament, though they differed on the approach to addressing it. His joy was palpable as both sides, who had often viewed each other through a narrow lens, embraced in mutual understanding.
In my capacity as Media Chief of Ohanaeze, I worked closely with Professor George Obiozor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and later Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu. I issued countless press releases defending and advocating for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, many of which remain accessible online.
At one point, Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned the Federal Government that “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must not die in custody.”
Kanu must not die in custody – Ohanaeze warns, The Guardian, September 21, 2022.
Write your name in gold by releasing Nnamdi Kanu, Vanguard, January 3, 2025.
Nnamdi Kanu: Malami has crossed the red line, BVI Channel 1, October 27, 2021.
Indeed, the last official assignment undertaken by Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu as Ohanaeze President General was a visit to Kanu in custody. Despite his age and stature, security operatives refused to allow his vehicle close to the facility. Undeterred, he trekked a long and stressful distance to see Kanu, a testimony to his commitment to the Igbo cause. The rest, as they say, is history.
Several legal experts have reacted to Kanu’s latest decision. One of them, Barrister Inibehe Effiong, cautioned that Kanu’s choice was fraught with risk. In his words:
“I don’t know who’s advising Kanu or what his motivation is, but he is taking a very risky decision. It would be highly risky for him to refuse to open his defence, given that the court has already dismissed his ‘no-case submission.’ By declining to enter his defence, the court may rely solely on the prosecution’s evidence, which could lead to conviction and imprisonment.”
Justice Omotosho also offered fatherly advice, urging Kanu to seek counsel from legal experts:
“I know you are educated, but you are not a lawyer. Please, consult people knowledgeable in criminal prosecution to advise you. I beg you, in the name of God Almighty, make adequate consultation with experts in criminal law to fully understand the implications of your decision.”
I am not a lawyer, but I know that when any allegation is levelled against an individual, it is prudent to present a defence — especially when the opportunity is offered.
I wish to reassure Mazi Nnamdi Kanu that Nigerians of diverse backgrounds have not abandoned him. The Igbo, across all strata, continue to express solidarity with his cause. His ordeal has drawn concern not just within Nigeria but across the world. Yet, he must not be left alone to make deeply consequential decisions under the pressures of incarceration.
There is, indeed, strong reason to believe that the case against him lacks merit. However, this must be demonstrated within the framework of law, by experts who can argue it effectively.
Therefore, I call on eminent and patriotic lawyers of conscience to rally around Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Let them make haste, and take heed, to guide him with sound legal counsel, in the interest of justice and the collective dignity of the Igbo nation.
Dr. Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia
Department of Political Science, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.