A Federal High Court in Abuja has been asked to reject a no-case submission filed by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu. The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, urged Justice James Omotosho to compel Kanu to enter a defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Awomolo argued that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence through five witnesses and several exhibits, including videos in which Kanu allegedly incited violence and admitted leading a proscribed group. He claimed Kanu’s statements contributed to the killing of at least 170 security personnel and said such remarks could not be dismissed as mere boasting or content creation.
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Responding, defence counsel Kanu Agabi argued that the prosecution had failed to prove any element of the charges, saying no witness confirmed being incited by Kanu’s broadcasts. He accused the prosecution of relying on vague witness testimonies and unverified death reports. Agabi also challenged the legality of IPOB’s proscription and the court’s jurisdiction over parts of the case.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to 10 October for a ruling on whether Kanu has a case to answer or should be discharged. The trial has faced delays since Kanu’s initial arrest in 2015, with both sides trading blame for the prolonged proceedings.
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