Court Orders Nnamdi Kanu to Open Defence in Terrorism Trial, Directs Independent Medical Review

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, ruling that he must open his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against Kanu through the testimonies of five witnesses. He ruled that the evidence presented required explanations from the defendant, though he emphasized that Kanu remains innocent until proven guilty.

“This is not to say the defendant is guilty, but he is entitled to a fair hearing to prove his innocence,” Omotosho said. He also noted that Kanu’s legal team failed to provide evidence of extraordinary rendition to Nigeria during the trial, thereby overruling the no-case application.

On Kanu’s health concerns, the court ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up a panel of eight to ten experts—including a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital—within eight days. The committee is to assess his medical condition, evaluate DSS facilities, and recommend whether he should be transferred to the National Hospital.

The ruling followed conflicting medical reports from DSS doctors and Kanu’s private consultants. While DSS counsel Adegboyega Awomolo argued that Kanu’s condition could be managed in custody, his lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, maintained that only specialized care outside DSS facilities could guarantee his client’s health. The case has been adjourned to October 8.