JUST IN: Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s No-Case Submission, Orders IPOB Leader to Open Defence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and ordered him to open his defence. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Friday, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case of terrorism against Mr Kanu through the testimony of five witnesses.

Kanu had filed the no-case submission in June after the prosecution closed its case, urging the court to dismiss the charges and relieve him of the responsibility of presenting a defence. His legal team argued that the evidence presented failed to link him to the offences. However, the prosecution urged the court to reject the application, maintaining that Kanu had a case to answer.

Justice Omotosho agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the evidence presented required explanations from the IPOB leader. The matter has been adjourned until 8 October for continuation of the trial, when the Nigerian Medical Association is also expected to present its report on Kanu’s fitness to stand trial.

Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges stemming from his agitation for the secession of Nigeria’s South-east and parts of neighbouring states as the independent nation of Biafra.