Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has lost his bid to have the terrorism charges against him dismissed at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, September 26, 2025, Justice James Omotosho rejected Kanu’s no-case submission and held that the Nigerian government had established a prima facie case requiring him to present a defence.
Kanu, through his lawyer, Chief Godwin Kanu Agabi (SAN), had argued that the prosecution failed to prove its allegations, noting that none of the five Department of State Services (DSS) witnesses testified to being incited to violence by the IPOB leader.
However, Justice Omotosho upheld the arguments of the prosecution team led by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), ruling that Kanu must address the issues raised against him. The judge stated that giving the IPOB leader an opportunity to defend himself was in his best interest.
The court consequently ordered Kanu to open his defence in the terrorism case, prolonging his detention and the high-profile legal battle with the federal government.
