FG closes terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu

The Federal Government on Thursday concluded its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges related to terrorism and treason.

Naija News reports that the prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), made the announcement after the fifth prosecution witness (PW5), identified by the code name EEE, completed his testimony before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“I therefore close the case,” Awomolo stated, expressing confidence that the evidence presented—such as video broadcasts and intelligence reports—had established a strong case against the IPOB leader.

In response, Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), told the court that the defence team would be filing a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to prove there was a case for Kanu to answer.

Earlier during the proceedings, Justice Omotosho admitted into evidence a report from the Department of State Services (DSS) which alleged that Kanu was linked to the deaths of 186 police officers and the destruction of 164 police stations during the #EndSARS protests.

The DSS report was submitted by Awomolo through PW5, a DSS operative referred to only as EEE, who cited security concerns for withholding his full identity.

“I know the defendant through the media. I have never met him face-to-face,” the witness said.

He testified that his role was to investigate the destruction of public property and the killing of security personnel, claiming that these actions were fueled by Kanu’s broadcasts.

The court admitted exhibits including a damage assessment report, death certificates, and a certificate of compliance. Although the defence raised objections to these documents, Justice Omotosho ruled that arguments over their admissibility would be addressed later.

During cross-examination by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Kanu’s lawyer, the witness admitted that the lengthy DSS report did not directly link IPOB members to the killings.

“There is no single caption that links deaths directly to IPOB on any page,” the DSS operative acknowledged, although he maintained that Kanu’s statements encouraged violence.

Ikpeazu further questioned why other activists such as Aisha Yesufu, who also spoke out during the #EndSARS protests, were not investigated.

“My assignment was not to investigate Biafra or individuals like Aisha Yesufu but to assess damage from the #EndSARS protest,” EEE responded.

He also admitted that the photographs included in the DSS report had no dates and that he had not signed the report himself.

“It is true that I didn’t sign the report, but I certified it as the secretary,” he clarified.

After hearing from both sides, the court gave the prosecution and defence 14 days to submit written arguments on the no-case submission, and an additional two days for responses.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to July 18 for the adoption of final written addresses on whether the trial should proceed or be dismissed.