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

This statement came shortly after the Federal Government wrapped up its case, presenting testimony from its fifth and final witness, known only as EEE for security reasons. The witness gave evidence behind a protective screen.

Following cross-examination by Kanu’s defence lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), announced it would not call any more witnesses. Awomolo stated, “We believe the evidence from our five witnesses sufficiently establishes the case against the defendant. We therefore close the prosecution’s case.”

In response, lead defence counsel Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court of Kanu’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to present enough evidence to require Kanu to mount a defence.

Justice James Omotosho granted both parties 14 days each to submit written arguments, with an additional two days for replies on legal points. The court adjourned to July 18 for the hearing of the no-case submission.

Earlier, the final prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) agent, submitted a report linking Kanu to violence during the 2020 EndSARS protests. The witness claimed Kanu’s broadcasts incited attacks that resulted in the deaths of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations. Supporting documents included a damage assessment, death certificates, and a certificate of compliance.

Under cross-examination, the DSS officer admitted never having met Kanu personally and learning about him through media reports. The defence challenged the evidence’s admissibility and promised detailed objections in their final written submissions.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and granted bail in 2017 on health grounds, but fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home. He was re-arrested in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria in June 2021, remaining in DSS custody since.

In 2022, the trial court dismissed eight of the original 15 charges. The Court of Appeal ordered his release and dismissed remaining charges in October 2022, but the Supreme Court reversed this decision in December 2023, allowing the trial to proceed on seven counts.

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

This statement came shortly after the Federal Government wrapped up its case, presenting testimony from its fifth and final witness, known only as EEE for security reasons. The witness gave evidence behind a protective screen.

Following cross-examination by Kanu’s defence lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), announced it would not call any more witnesses. Awomolo stated, “We believe the evidence from our five witnesses sufficiently establishes the case against the defendant. We therefore close the prosecution’s case.”

In response, lead defence counsel Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court of Kanu’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to present enough evidence to require Kanu to mount a defence.

Justice James Omotosho granted both parties 14 days each to submit written arguments, with an additional two days for replies on legal points. The court adjourned to July 18 for the hearing of the no-case submission.

Earlier, the final prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) agent, submitted a report linking Kanu to violence during the 2020 EndSARS protests. The witness claimed Kanu’s broadcasts incited attacks that resulted in the deaths of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations. Supporting documents included a damage assessment, death certificates, and a certificate of compliance.

Under cross-examination, the DSS officer admitted never having met Kanu personally and learning about him through media reports. The defence challenged the evidence’s admissibility and promised detailed objections in their final written submissions.

Kanu was first arrested in 2015 and granted bail in 2017 on health grounds, but fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home. He was re-arrested in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria in June 2021, remaining in DSS custody since.

In 2022, the trial court dismissed eight of the original 15 charges. The Court of Appeal ordered his release and dismissed remaining charges in October 2022, but the Supreme Court reversed this decision in December 2023, allowing the trial to proceed on seven counts.