The federal government of Nigeria has officially closed the case against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biyafra (IPOB), in an ongoing trial on allegations related to terrorism.
The development was held on Thursday in the Federal High Court in Abuja and was chaired by Justice James Omotosho. Government prosecutor, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), announced that the fifth and final prosecutor testimony was identified as “EEE” for safety and security reasons, after it was closed.
After the witnesses presented evidence at a court meeting, they were cross-examined by defense attorney Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
Chief Avomolo pointed out that the prosecution had presented enough material, including recordings of the so-called broadcast of Kanu, to confirm the allegations filed.
“After summoning five witnesses and presenting a large amount of recorded evidence, the prosecution secured its case,” Avomolo declared. “So we closed the case.”
In response, Chief Kanu Agabi, who represented Nnamdi Kanu, informed the court of the defense’s intention to file an innocence filing. The legal motion holds that prosecution failed to establish a superficial case and therefore, the trial should not be conducted.
Justice Omotosho acknowledged the move and is expected to announce the date of hearing no-case submissions in the coming weeks.
Since he has been in custody since 2021, he has faced a variety of serious charges, including terrorism, felony treason and incitement of violence, all related to his role in leading the divestiture campaign concerning independent Biyafra.
As the case enters a critical stage, legal and political observers will continue to closely monitor developments given the high-profile nature and national influence of the trial.
