FG closes terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu
The Federal Government on Thursday concluded its terrorism case against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, scheduled 18 July for the defendant to open his defence, following an announcement by the government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), that the prosecution had closed its case.
Awomolo told the court that five witnesses had been called and that the evidence presented, including broadcast materials and testimonies, sufficiently supported the charges.
Kanu’s legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), responded that they would be filing a no-case submission, insisting the prosecution had failed to establish any direct link between Kanu and the alleged offences.
The fifth and final prosecution witness, a Department of State Services (DSS) officer identified only as EEE for security reasons, gave evidence alleging that Kanu’s broadcasts had incited attacks on government institutions during the #EndSARS protests.
The officer, who was deployed to southern Nigeria between 2020 and 2021, said his mission was to collect documentation on the destruction of public assets and the deaths of security personnel.
The prosecution submitted three documents through the witness: an #EndSARS assessment report, a list of deceased officers, and copies of their death certificates.
According to the documents, 128 police officers, 37 military personnel, and 10 DSS operatives were killed during the protests, while 164 police stations and 19 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices were destroyed.
During cross-examination, defence counsel Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) challenged the relevance of the witness’s claims, asking whether he was asserting that the entire #EndSARS protest was instigated by Kanu.
The witness responded that Kanu’s broadcasts contributed to the unrest. He admitted, however, that he had not directly investigated Kanu or IPOB.
When questioned about other protest figures, including Aisha Yesufu, the witness said he was aware of her but could not confirm her state of origin or ethnic background.
Ikpeazu further pressed the witness on whether violent incidents in Lagos and Osun States could be attributed to Kanu’s instructions. The officer maintained that the broadcasts played a contributory role and were exploited by subversive elements.
Justice Omotosho admitted the three documents into evidence as Exhibits PWD2, PWD2A and PWD2B. The defence said it would file a formal challenge to their admissibility at a later date.
The matter has been adjourned until 18 July for Kanu to either open his defence or proceed with the no-case application.