FG Insists Nnamdi Kanu Must Face Trial for Terrorism, Court Adjourns to October 10

The Federal Government has maintained that Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must face trial on terrorism-related charges. On Friday, the prosecution rejected Kanu’s no-case submission, asserting that the case against him has merit.

Representing the government, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo argued before the Federal High Court in Abuja that Kanu had a case to answer. He urged the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, to dismiss the no-case application and compel Kanu to begin his defence. Awomolo accused Kanu of making inflammatory broadcasts on Radio Biafra, including a call for the breakup of Nigeria and the creation of a Biafran republic.

Awomolo further alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts were inciting and dangerous, leading to fear and unrest among citizens. He claimed that Kanu ordered attacks on security personnel, resulting in the death of over 170 officers. According to him, such declarations go beyond political rhetoric and amount to serious threats to national security.

However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), contested the government’s claims, arguing that no evidence had been presented to prove that Kanu’s statements directly incited violence. Agabi said none of the five Department of State Services (DSS) witnesses testified to being incited or witnessing violence due to Kanu’s remarks. He pointed out that the charges had been amended multiple times, with no witness linking Kanu’s actions to terrorism.

Agabi also criticized the lack of investigative reports and described Kanu’s statements as political expressions, not terrorist threats. He emphasized that self-defence is a constitutional right and cited prolonged solitary confinement as a violation of Kanu’s human rights.

After hearing both sides, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to October 10 for ruling on the no-case submission.