The Federal Government on Thursday formally closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after presenting five witnesses in support of its terrorism and treason allegations.
Appearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the government had concluded its case following testimony from the fifth and final prosecution witness, identified only as “EEE” for security reasons.
The fifth witness was led in evidence during the session and subsequently cross-examined by Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN.
Awomolo declared that the Federal Government had discharged its burden through what he described as an “avalanche of evidence,” including video broadcasts purportedly linking Kanu to activities of IPOB, which was designated a terrorist organization in 2017.
“The prosecution, having called five witnesses and tendered substantial documentary and video evidence, believes it has established a prima facie case against the defendant,” Awomolo said. “I therefore close the case.”
The trial, which resumed earlier this year after several delays, marks a critical point in Nigeria’s prolonged legal confrontation with the separatist leader, who was first arrested in 2015 and later jumped bail before being extradited back to Nigeria in 2021 under controversial circumstances.
Kanu has consistently denied all charges against him, insisting that his calls for an independent Biafra republic fall within his constitutional rights to self-determination and free expression.
In response to the prosecution’s move, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who leads the defence team, told the court that the defence would be filing a “no-case submission,” effectively challenging the court to rule that the prosecution had failed to establish a case warranting any defence.
“A no-case submission will be filed in due course,” Agabi said, without disclosing a timeline. The move is a legal strategy employed when the defence believes that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient to support a conviction.
Justice Omotosho noted the submission and adjourned the matter to allow time for the filing and hearing of the defence’s motion.
Legal analysts say the outcome of the no-case submission could determine whether the high-profile trial proceeds to the defence phase or is dismissed outright.
The trial has drawn international attention and domestic tension, with supporters of Kanu frequently staging demonstrations and alleging political persecution.
The Federal Government, however, maintains that the case is grounded in national security concerns, citing violent attacks on security infrastructure in the South-East allegedly linked to IPOB operatives.
As proceedings move to the next stage, all eyes remain on the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the fate of the secessionist leader now lies in the balance.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
