Nnamdi Kanu to Face Full Trial as Abuja Court Dismisses ‘No Case’ Submission
The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, must now enter his defense in the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government, following a ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
Justice James Omotosho dismissed the “no case submission” filed by Kanu, holding that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against the IPOB leader. The judge ruled that Kanu “has questions to answer” in the seven-count terrorism charge.
Justice Omotosho stated that it is in Kanu’s best interest to be given the opportunity to clear up several issues raised against him during the prosecution’s presentation.
Health Status Review Ordered
Despite the ruling, the court acknowledged ongoing concerns about Kanu’s health. Justice Omotosho issued an order giving the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) eight days to constitute a team of medical experts to ascertain Kanu’s health status and fitness to stand trial.
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The NMA committee, which the judge mandated must include a cardiologist and a neurologist, is tasked with visiting the DSS facility and determining if the detention center’s hospital is capable of meeting Kanu’s medical needs. The court will receive the NMA’s report on October 8, after which a date for the continuation of the trial will be set.
Defence Arguments Rejected
Kanu’s lead lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, had applied to the court to dismiss the charges, arguing that the Federal Government failed to legally link Kanu to any terrorism offense. Agabi noted that not a single witness was called to testify that they were incited to violence by Kanu. He maintained that Kanu was merely asking people to defend themselves, which he argued is a constitutional right.
However, the Federal Government, through its lawyer Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued that Kanu’s broadcast on Biafra Radio was not a “mere empty threat” but a deliberate and serious security issue. Awomolo argued that the statements caused widespread fear and should not be dismissed as mere boasting.
Justice Omotosho ultimately agreed with the prosecution that the evidence presented warranted ordering the defendant to proceed with his defense. Kanu has been in DSS detention since his repatriation to Nigeria from Kenya in June 2021.
By PRNigeria
