IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has filed a no-case submission before the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing that the Federal Government failed to establish any prima facie case against him in the ongoing terrorism trial
Nnamdi Kanu Files No-Case Submission, Says Terrorism Charges Lack Merit
The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has opted to file a no-case submission before the Federal High Court in Abuja, abandoning his earlier plan to open his defence in the ongoing terrorism trial.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, made the decision during Monday’s resumed proceedings before Justice James Omotosho.
Last Friday, the separatist leader had sought an adjournment, explaining that his former legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had yet to hand over his complete case file.
In his earlier application, Kanu had indicated his readiness to call witnesses in his defence. However, after reviewing the case documents, he changed course, insisting that the Federal Government had failed to establish any valid charge against him.
Addressing the court, Kanu maintained that proceeding with the defence would amount to legitimising what he described as an “unlawful and baseless prosecution.”
He argued that the prosecution had failed to make a prima facie case capable of warranting a defence, hence his decision to file a no-case submission instead.
“After reviewing the case file and the evidence presented, it is clear there is no valid charge against me,” Kanu reportedly told the court. “Continuing with a defence would only validate a process that is fundamentally unlawful.”
In response, Justice James Omotosho directed Kanu to file a formal written address articulating his no-case submission and serve it on the Federal Government’s legal team.
The judge also advised the IPOB leader to consult criminal law experts to fully understand the legal implications of his decision.
Subsequently, the matter was adjourned to November 4, 5, and 6, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses, either on the no-case submission or for continuation of defence, should Kanu decide otherwise.
Kanu’s decision represents a significant turning point in the high-profile trial that has captured national and international attention since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria.
The IPOB leader, who has consistently denied all terrorism-related allegations, has repeatedly accused the Nigerian government of violating his fundamental rights and subjecting him to unfair legal processes.
The Federal Government, however, maintains that Kanu’s activities, including alleged incitement and support for violent secessionist movements, constitute serious threats to national security.
Observers say the upcoming court sessions in November could determine whether Kanu walks free or proceeds to a full defence phase in the long-drawn case that has deepened political and ethnic tensions across the South-East.
As of press time, the Federal High Court has not yet ruled on the no-case submission, and the Federal Government’s legal team is expected to respond in writing.
Legal analysts note that a successful no-case submission would mean the court finds no sufficient evidence to continue the trial, leading to an acquittal — but such outcomes are rare in terrorism-related cases in Nigeria. Read More
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