FG urges court to dismiss Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission, insists on full trial

The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to reject the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), insisting that he must face trial on terrorism-related charges.

During Friday’s court session, government prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued that Kanu’s actions—particularly his controversial statements during Radio Biafra broadcasts—were far from harmless.

According to Awomolo, Kanu openly called for the disintegration of Nigeria and the establishment of a separate Biafra nation, remarks the prosecution claims were not just provocative but intended to incite fear and threaten national security.

He told the court, “The defendant made a broadcast in which he proudly declared himself as the IPOB leader, even though he knew that the group had been proscribed. He claimed the world would come to a standstill.”

Awomolo further alleged that Kanu directed attacks on law enforcement, citing the killing of over 170 security personnel in the aftermath of the broadcasts.

“The Nigerian law prohibits inciting statements capable of making citizens live in perpetual fear. The threat to destroy Nigeria was not idle talk—it was aimed at creating Biafra, and there are consequences for such statements,” he added.

According to the prosecution, the case against Kanu, which includes a seven-count charge of terrorism, should not be dismissed, as there is sufficient evidence requiring him to open a defence.

On the other side, Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish a credible case.

He pointed out that none of the five witnesses—who were all operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS)—testified that they were incited to violence by Kanu.

Agabi also criticised the investigative process, saying no investigation was conducted into the controversial statements, nor was any formal report submitted as evidence.

He noted that despite multiple amendments to the charges—eight times in total—there remained no witness claiming to have been provoked into violent action by Kanu’s remarks.

He told the court, “Urging Nigerians to defend themselves is a constitutional right that has also been echoed by prominent Nigerians, including retired General T.Y. Danjuma.”

Agabi also addressed the issue of Kanu’s prolonged detention in solitary confinement, arguing that international law does not permit such isolation for more than 15 days. He urged the court to acquit his client on the grounds that no prima facie case had been established.

Justice Omotosho has adjourned the matter until October 10, when a ruling will be delivered on the no-case submission.