By Adenike Lawal
In a major development in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the Federal Government on Thursday formally concluded its case in the terrorism and treason charges filed against the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The announcement came after the prosecution presented its fifth and final witness identified in court only as “EEE” for security reasons,who testified and was cross-examined by Kanu’s legal team, led by senior advocate Onyechi Ikpeazu. The proceedings took place before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who leads the federal prosecution team, stated that the government had provided a comprehensive body of evidence, including audiovisual materials and broadcasts allegedly linked to Kanu’s activities as IPOB leader.
According to him, the testimony of five witnesses was sufficient to establish the prosecution’s case.
“With the weight of evidence we’ve submitted to this honourable court, we are satisfied that we have made our case,” Awomolo said, before formally resting the prosecution’s side.
In response, Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, notified the court of their intention to file a “no-case” submission, arguing that the evidence presented so far is insufficient to warrant the continuation of the trial or a conviction. The motion is expected to be filed in the coming days.
The case remains one of Nigeria’s most closely watched legal proceedings, carrying significant political and security implications both domestically and internationally.
