The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject a no-case submission by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and order him to defend himself in his ongoing terrorism trial.
During Friday’s hearing on July 18, 2025, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including witness testimonies and video broadcasts, proving Kanu’s role in inciting violence.
He highlighted Kanu’s alleged boasts about killing security personnel and instilling public fear, stating, “A terrorist boasting about killing security men cannot be allowed to go free.”
Awomolo noted that Kanu’s actions, as seen in court-tendered broadcasts, led to the deaths of at least 170 security personnel.
Awomolo refuted the defence’s claim that Kanu had been in solitary confinement for 10 years, clarifying that Kanu was arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and detained again in 2021 after jumping bail.
He also blamed the defence for trial delays and argued that IPOB’s proscription, currently under Supreme Court review, should not be questioned by the trial court.
In response, Kanu’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the prosecution failed to prove the charges, asserting that Kanu’s broadcasts were mere boasts, not incitement. “He said he could bring the world to a standstill.
That’s not a crime,” Agabi said, adding that Kanu only urged self-defence, a stance echoed by some officials. He challenged the credibility of prosecution witnesses, mostly from the Department of State Services, who often claimed memory lapses, and questioned the legality of IPOB’s proscription, demanding evidence of presidential approval.
Agabi also cited a Court of Appeal ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction over a charge related to importing a transmitter.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to October 10, 2025, to rule on whether Kanu must enter his defence or if the no-case submission will be upheld.
