“Kanu’s Threats Not Mere Boasts – Over 170 Security Agents Killed” – FG Tells Court

The federal government has asserted that threats made by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to break up Nigeria are not idle or exaggerated. This position was presented during a court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, where the government urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s no-case submission and compel him to begin his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.

Representing the federal government, senior lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo told Justice James Omotosho that Kanu’s statements during a broadcast on Biafra Radio went beyond rhetoric, claiming the IPOB leader explicitly declared his intention to disintegrate Nigeria and establish a sovereign Biafran state. Awomolo said the broadcast instilled fear across the country and had real-life consequences, including the alleged killing of over 170 security agents.

He accused Kanu of directing attacks against police officers and their families, noting that such incitement was not protected speech under Nigerian law. “The defendant proudly identified himself as IPOB leader despite the group’s proscription. He made a broadcast that the world would come to a standstill, and indeed, what followed was death and violence,” Awomolo said. He insisted that Kanu’s words posed a clear and immediate danger to national unity and security, describing the defence’s no-case argument as both “misplaced and misconceived.”

Kanu’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, pushed back strongly against the prosecution’s claims. He argued that the government had not presented a prima facie case and pointed out that none of the five witnesses called by the prosecution had testified to being influenced or incited by Kanu. Agabi added that all five witnesses were operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) who only recorded statements from the defendant, with no independent investigation into the terrorism allegations.

He also criticised the prosecution for repeatedly amending the charges—eight times in total—without presenting any new evidence or witness testimonies directly linking Kanu’s words to violent acts. According to Agabi, Kanu’s remarks were in the context of self-defence amid growing insecurity in the country, a right enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. He cited similar comments made by public figures such as retired General T. Y. Danjuma, asserting that Kanu’s call for self-defence should not be equated with terrorism.

Agabi further argued that Kanu’s prolonged solitary confinement violated international human rights laws, which limit such confinement to a maximum of 15 days. He urged the court to discharge and acquit Kanu, stating the government had failed to establish any element of terrorism in the case.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to October 10 for ruling on the no-case submission.