The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission in his ongoing terrorism trial. Justice James Omotosho on Friday September 26, ruled that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against Kanu, requiring him to enter his defense.
The judge emphasized that Kanu’s guilt or innocence hasn’t been determined, but he needs to clear up some issues raised against him.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faces a seven-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) alleging terrorism-related activities.Kanu’s lawyers argued that the prosecution failed to establish a link between Kanu and the alleged terrorism offenses, and asked the court to discharge and acquit him.
The DSS presented five witnesses and rendered exhibits, which the judge believes warrant Kanu’s explanation.
The judge’s ruling went like this:
“I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge. The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant. The evidence is such that the defendant must proffer some explanations or defence to the allegation made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences as they are such that the life of the defendant is at stake”.
The court has ordered the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a team of medical experts to ascertain Kanu’s health status and fitness to stand trial. The NMA report is due on October 8, 2025, after which the trial will continue. The IPOB leader has been in detention since June 2021, when he was brought back to Nigeria from Kenya.
