The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). During the proceedings, lead counsel for the government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, argued that Kanu had previously made a public declaration on Radio Biafra to break up Nigeria and establish a Republic of Biafra.
Awomolo contended that Kanu’s statements were not mere rhetoric but posed a significant national security threat, causing widespread fear among Nigerians. He alleged that Kanu had incited his followers to target and kill police officers, leading to the deaths of over 170 security personnel.
The prosecution argued that Kanu’s declarations constituted a serious offense under Nigerian law, which prohibits inciting statements that can instill fear in citizens. Awomolo urged the court to compel Kanu to open his defense regarding the seven-count terrorism charge against him.
In response, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), challenged the prosecution’s case, asserting that no witness had testified that they were incited to violence by Kanu. He claimed that the charges had been amended multiple times without any substantive evidence presented in court.
Agabi maintained that Kanu had only encouraged people to defend themselves against violence and emphasized that this was a constitutional right. He criticized the prolonged solitary confinement Kanu had experienced and argued that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against him.
Justice James Omotosho has adjourned the matter until October 10 for a ruling on the no-case submission.
