The Federal Government has officially closed its case in the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following the presentation of testimony from five prosecution witnesses. The trial, which resumed on Thursday, June 19, in Abuja, marks a pivotal moment in one of Nigeria’s most high-profile legal battles.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), formally announced the conclusion of the prosecution’s case after the fifth and final witness testified. Among those who took the stand was a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, whose testimony focused on Kanu’s alleged importation and use of a radio transmitter without proper licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Awomolo told the court that the government is satisfied with the body of evidence presented, including exhibits already admitted by the court. “From the evidence led and the exhibits tendered, the prosecution is satisfied and therefore closes its case,” he declared confidently.
A key piece of evidence at the heart of the prosecution’s argument is the unlicensed radio transmitter, which prosecutors claim was used to incite unrest and disseminate messages through the banned Radio Biafra platform. The trial judge had previously admitted the transmitter as evidence, despite strong objections from Kanu’s legal team.
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In immediate response to the prosecution’s move, Kanu’s lead defense counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of the defense’s intention to file a no-case submission. This legal strategy seeks to convince the court that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case, that is, a case strong enough to warrant a defense. If upheld by the court, the no-case submission could lead to the dismissal of all terrorism-related charges against Kanu without him having to take the stand.
Since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, Nnamdi Kanu has remained in custody, facing a slew of charges tied to his leadership of IPOB and the operations of the outlawed Radio Biafra station. The Federal Government alleges that Kanu used the station to incite violence and promote separatist sentiments across the southeast.
Kanu, however, has continued to plead his innocence, insisting that the charges are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to silence dissent and crush the Biafran movement. His detention and trial have sparked global debate on press freedom, the right to self-determination, and the Nigerian government’s response to separatist agitation.
The court is expected to hear arguments on the no-case submission in the coming weeks, a decision that could either dismiss the charges or push the case into its next phase the defense.