The Federal Government and the legal team of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, clashed in court on Thursday over the interpretation of statements made by Kanu in various online broadcasts, which the government described as incitement to terrorism. At the resumed trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the prosecution, led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s no-case submission and proceed to the defence stage of the trial. Awomolo said the Federal Government had presented sufficient evidence to prove a prima facie case of terrorism against the IPOB leader. He cited audio and video exhibits of Kanu’s broadcasts in which he allegedly made inflammatory statements against the Nigerian state. Awomolo argued that these statements were not mere words but incited actual violence in the South-East region, leading to the deaths of over 170 security personnel and several attacks on public facilities. According to the prosecution, five witnesses had testified and linked Kanu’s broadcasts to violent incidents, proving that his words went beyond political rhetoric and amounted to a national security threat. In response, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), maintained that the statements cited by the prosecution were metaphorical and should not be interpreted as incitement. He argued that no witness had provided evidence of being incited to violence by Kanu’s broadcasts, describing the alleged threats as mere political boasting. Agabi also raised concerns about the conditions of Kanu’s detention, claiming the IPOB leader had been held in prolonged solitary confinement for over ten years cumulatively, which he said violates international human rights standards. He cited international law, stating that solitary confinement beyond 15 days constitutes torture and should be condemned. The prosecution dismissed the claim of torture, stating that all actions taken in the case were lawful and necessary to maintain public order and protect national security. Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to October 10, 2025, to rule on the no-case submission. The decision will determine whether the trial will proceed or if Kanu will be discharged at this stage.
