Court To Rule Oct 10 On Motion To Halt Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday fixed October 10, 2025, to rule on a motion seeking to halt the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently facing terrorism and treasonable felony charges.
Kanu, through his legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), is requesting the court to dismiss the seven-count charge filed by the Federal Government, arguing that the prosecution has failed to present credible evidence.
He maintained that testimonies from the five prosecution witnesses, all operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), did not establish a prima facie case against him.
The defence filed a no-case submission, insisting that no documentary or oral evidence showed that he incited violence or committed any crime.
Chief Agabi told the court that the DSS witnesses only obtained statements from the defendant and did not testify to being influenced or harmed by Kanu’s actions.
He further argued that no investigation report on the terrorism allegations was submitted to the court.
Agabi criticised the Federal Government for amending the charge eight times without presenting any affected victims, stating that Kanu’s broadcasts were calls for self-defence, not incitement.
He cited similar statements from prominent Nigerians, including DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi and retired Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma.
He also condemned Kanu’s prolonged solitary confinement, which he said violates international laws limiting such detention to 15 days.
Furthermore, Agabi challenged the legality of IPOB’s proscription, arguing it lacked presidential approval.
He questioned the court’s jurisdiction over a charge relating to the alleged unlawful importation of a radio transmitter.
Responding, prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and compel Kanu to open his defence.
He said Kanu must answer for his role in activities that allegedly led to the deaths of over 170 security personnel and widespread violence.
Awomolo pointed to video and audio recordings where Kanu allegedly admitted being IPOB’s leader and called for destruction.
He argued that Kanu’s statements cannot be dismissed as mere boasting.
He also said the issue of IPOB’s proscription is already before the Supreme Court and should not be re-litigated at the trial court.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter to October 10 for ruling.
Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 upon his return from the UK and was later granted bail in April 2017.
He fled the country after a military raid on his home in Abia State, during which some of his followers were reportedly killed.
He was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 and extradited to Nigeria, where he has remained in DSS custody.
While eight of the initial 15 charges were struck out in April 2022, the Supreme Court, in December 2023, allowed his trial to proceed on the remaining seven counts.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
