Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyer Seeks Case Dismissal, Cites Weak Evidence and Rights Violations
Written by Okafor Joseph July 18, 2025
Kanu Agabi, the lead counsel for detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, on Friday urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss the terrorism charges against his client, describing the prosecution’s evidence as weak, unsubstantiated, and filled with inconsistencies.
Arguing before Justice James Omotosho, Agabi dismissed allegations that Kanu threatened national security, stating that the accusations were based on mere boasts, not criminal intent. He said the prosecution had failed to produce credible witnesses or evidence linking Kanu’s statements to any incitement or violent actions.
“No single witness has testified to being incited by Kanu’s broadcasts,” Agabi told the court, adding that his client’s comment about “bringing the world to a standstill” was an expression of frustration, not a direct threat.
He further argued that the prosecution’s reliance on unverifiable documents and a questionable #EndSARS report was legally insufficient. “Their witnesses, mostly from the Department of State Services (DSS), repeatedly answered ‘I don’t remember’ or ‘I don’t know’—at least 80 times—during cross-examination,” Agabi stated.
The defense also challenged the admissibility of post-trial evidence and criticized the multiple amendments to the charge sheet, noting that none of the charges specified individuals who were incited to commit crimes by Kanu.
Agabi raised serious concerns about Kanu’s prolonged detention in solitary confinement, claiming it violates international human rights standards. “He’s been kept in solitary for over six years—this exceeds the legal threshold of 15 days under international law,” he said, warning of the toll on his mental health.
On the proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Agabi questioned its legality, arguing that the proper presidential approval was never granted. He urged the court to verify the legality of IPOB’s ban before considering it a valid basis for criminal prosecution.
He also pointed out that the Court of Appeal had already ruled on the alleged unlawful transmitter charge, rendering the trial court without jurisdiction on that count.
In response, prosecuting counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) opposed the no-case submission, insisting that the prosecution had met the burden of establishing a prima facie case. He said five witnesses were called, and the court was presented with video and audio recordings in which Kanu admitted his leadership of IPOB and allegedly incited violence.
Awomolo argued that Kanu’s statements were not mere boasts, but dangerous calls to action that contributed to the deaths of over 170 security personnel. He further stated that Kanu encouraged attacks on government institutions and law enforcement agencies.
He rejected claims that Kanu had been in solitary confinement for 10 years, clarifying that the IPOB leader was granted bail in 2017, which was later revoked in 2022 after he violated bail conditions.
On the proscription of IPOB, Awomolo said the matter was already before the Supreme Court and should not be revisited at the trial level. He accused the defense of deliberately stalling the case for over three years.
After listening to both sides, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to October 10, 2025, for a ruling on the no-case submission.Published by SpringnewsNG Media Limited
