Defend yourself, you have case to answer, court tells Kanu …rejects his no case submission
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a motion by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking to quash the seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, in his ruling, held that a prima facie case had been established and directed Kanu to open his defence. The court fixed 8 October for the commencement of his defence.
Kanu had argued through his legal team, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, that there was no credible evidence from the government’s five witnesses, all Department of State Services (DSS) operative, linking him to any violent act. He claimed the broadcasts cited were misinterpreted and defended as calls for self-defence, not incitement.
Agabi further criticised the prolonged solitary confinement of Kanu, questioned the court’s jurisdiction on the radio transmitter charge, and argued that IPOB’s proscription lacked presidential approval.
In response, FG’s counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to reject the no-case submission, citing video and audio recordings where Kanu allegedly admitted leadership of a proscribed group and incited violence, including the killing of 170 security personnel.
Justice Omotosho brought the ruling forward from 10 October due to an affidavit of urgency filed on health grounds by Kanu’s legal team.
