The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 10, 2025, to rule on the no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing trial on terrorism-related charges.
Kanu, who has been in detention for years, is standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, and incitement. His legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), on Friday, urged the court to dismiss the charges, insisting that the prosecution had failed to establish any prima facie case.
Agabi argued that throughout the proceedings, the prosecution did not call any witness who testified to being incited to violence by Kanu. He said that the only witnesses — operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) — admitted their role was limited to obtaining statements from the defendant, with no investigation reports presented.
“The prosecution has amended the charges eight times. Yet, no one came to court to say he was instigated by Kanu,” Agabi submitted. “He merely urged people to defend themselves, which is a constitutional right also echoed by notable Nigerians like General T.Y. Danjuma.”
Agabi also raised concerns over Kanu’s prolonged solitary confinement, which he described as a clear violation of international law. “Solitary confinement, by global standards, must not exceed 15 days. Kanu has endured it for years,” he said, urging the court to discharge and acquit his client.
However, the Federal Government, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), opposed the no-case application, arguing that Kanu’s actions and public broadcasts amounted to direct threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and internal security.
Awomolo told the court that Kanu’s broadcasts on Biafra Radio were not empty threats but incitements that allegedly led to the deaths of over 170 security operatives. He said Kanu, in his own words, declared himself leader of a proscribed group, urged his followers to attack law enforcement, and predicted that “the world would come to a standstill.”
“The defendant boasted of breaking up Nigeria. That is not protected speech; it’s a national security issue,” Awomolo said. “The law prohibits words and actions capable of keeping Nigerians in fear. His intention was to cause instability and actualize Biafra—not mere boasting.”
He urged Justice James Omotosho to reject the application, describing it as “misplaced and misconceived,” and asked the court to order Kanu to open his defence.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until October 10, 2025, for ruling on whether Kanu should be discharged or enter a defence in the terrorism trial.
The case continues to attract national and international attention, with calls for due process and justice amid heightened political and ethnic sensitivities.
