Prosecution closes case in Nnamdi Kanu’s terrorism trial

The Federal Government on Thursday, June 19, closed its case against Nnamdi Kanu, the detained self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing terrorism trial in Abuja. 

This came after the prosecution presented five witnesses, including a Department of State Services (DSS) operative who gave detailed testimony on Thursday.

Prosecuting counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), formally announced the closure of the prosecution’s case after the fifth witness concluded his appearance before the court. Awomolo told the court that, having called five witnesses and tendered relevant exhibits, the prosecution was satisfied that it had provided sufficient evidence to support its allegations.

“From the evidence led and the exhibits tendered, the prosecution is satisfied and therefore closes its case,” Awomolo stated.

Among the evidence previously presented was testimony from a DSS operative who claimed that Kanu imported a radio transmitter without licensing from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), an issue that reportedly formed part of the state’s case regarding incitement and unlawful communication under terrorism-related charges.

The trial judge admitted the alleged radio transmitter into evidence during earlier proceedings, despite objections from the defence.

Responding to the closure of the prosecution’s case, lead defence counsel Kanu Agabi (SAN) told the court that the defence intends to file a no-case submission, a legal move arguing that the prosecution has not established a prima facie case against the defendant.

The no-case submission, if successful, could lead to the dismissal of the charges without requiring Kanu to enter a defence.

Kanu, who has been in detention since his re-arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021, is facing terrorism-related charges over his role in the operations of IPOB and the activities of the banned Radio Biafra station. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and claims his prosecution is politically motivated.