FG Closes Case Against Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial After Five Witnesses

The Federal Government on Wednesday closed its case against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, after presenting five witnesses before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The prosecution, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Adegboyega Awomolo, informed the court that it had concluded its case following the testimony of its fifth and final witness, all of whom were personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The witnesses testified to Kanu’s alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities, including the incitement of violence, promotion of secessionist ideologies, and threats to national unity.

Kanu, who faces charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony, has pleaded not guilty. He was first arrested in 2015, released on bail in 2017, and subsequently fled the country.

He was rearrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria in June 2021.

The prosecution alleged that Kanu used broadcasts on Radio Biafra to issue directives that led to unrest, including sit-at-home orders in the South-East, attacks on security agencies, and destruction of government infrastructure.

During the trial, video and audio recordings, as well as intelligence reports, were admitted as evidence.

With the prosecution’s case now closed, the defence, led by Kanu’s counsel Aloy Ejimakor, is expected to file a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented does not establish any offence and that Kanu has no case to answer.

Justice Binta Nyako adjourned the matter to a later date for the hearing of the no-case submission. Kanu remains in the custody of the DSS, despite repeated calls for his release and concerns raised by local and international rights groups over his continued detention and the conduct of the trial.