Kanu Declares No Case to Answer as FG Closes Terrorism Trial

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has declared before the Federal High Court in Abuja that he has no case to answer in the terrorism and treasonable felony charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

His statement came shortly after the prosecution officially rested its case on Thursday, having presented its fifth and final witness. The prosecution’s last witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, was identified only as “EEE” for security reasons and gave evidence from behind a protective screen.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the lead prosecutor, announced that the government would not be presenting any further witnesses, expressing confidence that the testimonies of the five witnesses had established enough grounds for the charges. “We believe our case is sufficiently proven and we therefore close the prosecution’s case,” he told the court.

In a swift reaction, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court that his client would be entering a no-case submission. This legal move argues that the prosecution has not produced enough evidence to warrant any defence response or further trial.

Justice James Omotosho granted both the defence and prosecution 14 days each to file their written addresses, allowing an additional two days for replies on legal points. The court adjourned the matter to July 18 for the formal adoption of the no-case submission.

Earlier, during the final witness’s testimony, the DSS operative alleged that Kanu incited violent actions through his broadcasts during the 2020 EndSARS protests.

According to him, the broadcasts sparked attacks that led to the deaths of 186 police personnel and the destruction of 164 police facilities. The witness also submitted official reports, death certificates, and other documents to support the claims.

However, during cross-examination by defence counsel Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the witness conceded that he had never met Kanu personally. He admitted that his knowledge of the defendant stemmed solely from media content and official intelligence reports.

The defence team challenged the credibility and admissibility of the documents, noting that their detailed objections would be included in the final written address.

Kanu’s legal journey has been long and turbulent. He was initially arrested in 2015 and later granted bail in 2017 on medical grounds. However, he fled Nigeria after his home in Abia State was raided by the military. In 2021, he was re-arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria, where he has remained in DSS custody ever since.

Legal proceedings have seen several twists. In April 2022, the Federal High Court struck out eight of the 15 initial charges against him. Later in October, the Court of Appeal ordered his release and dismissed the remaining charges.

However, the Supreme Court reversed that ruling in December 2023, clearing the way for the Federal Government to continue prosecution on a revised seven-count charge.

As the legal battle resumes next month, Kanu maintains his position that the allegations against him are unsubstantiated and politically motivated.