IPOB: Abuja court gives verdict on Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission

By Omodele Adigun

The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered its verdict on the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team, directing the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to proceed with his defence.

Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling on Friday after the Federal Government closed its case, having presented witnesses and evidence against Kanu.

With the application struck out, the court ordered Kanu to open his defence.

Earlier in the day, the IPOB leader was brought to court under the escort of Department of State Services (DSS) operatives. He arrived alongside his lawyers, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu G. Agabi (SAN).

On Monday, the court had shifted the date for hearing the application from October 10 to September 26, enabling Justice Omotosho to deliver a ruling. The main terrorism trial is still scheduled to continue on October 10, 2025.

This development comes weeks after Justice Musa Liman, sitting as a vacation judge, adjourned Kanu’s request to be transferred to the National Hospital for medical treatment. Liman’s tenure expired at the end of the judges’ vacation, halting further proceedings at the time.

In that case, Kanu’s brother, Emmanuel, filed a 14-paragraph affidavit stating that the IPOB leader suffers from a severe heart condition and that the medical facilities made available to him were inadequate.

During the hearing, Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), told the court that the government’s lawyers had served a 37-page counter-affidavit only hours before the session, leaving insufficient time for a response. Njoku requested an adjournment, a move supported by government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo, who said his team was ready to argue but acknowledged the timing issue.

Justice Liman noted the urgency of the matter, describing it as one that could involve “life and death,” but said his authority as a vacation judge was ending. He returned the case to the Central Registrar for reassignment, which led to Justice Omotosho taking it up.