The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday, June 19, 2025, officially closed its terrorism and treason case against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The development came after the fifth and final prosecution witness, identified only as “EEE” for security reasons, concluded his testimony before Justice James Omotosho. The witness was both led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s defence team, led by senior lawyer Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN).
Following the witness testimony, the Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), informed the court that the prosecution had completed the presentation of its case, having called all five planned witnesses. Awomolo said the government relied on both oral testimonies and video evidence allegedly showing Kanu’s involvement in activities deemed as threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty and security.
With this, the prosecution formally closed its case.
In response, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), who leads the defence team, notified the court of their intention to file a “no-case submission”, arguing that the government had failed to establish a prima facie case against the IPOB leader.
A no-case submission seeks to convince the court that the evidence provided is insufficient to proceed to defence, essentially asking for a dismissal of the charges without further trial.
The court adjourned the matter to September 23, 2025, to hear the no-case submission and any counter-arguments from the prosecution.
Nnamdi Kanu was re-arrested and extradited to Nigeria in 2021 under controversial circumstances. He has since been facing charges bordering on terrorism, secessionist incitement, and illegal broadcasting, all of which he has consistently denied.
The case remains one of the most politically sensitive and closely watched trials in Nigeria’s recent history, especially in the South East region, where IPOB enjoys considerable support.
