The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 18, 2025, for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to open his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho set the date on Thursday after the prosecution, led by senior advocate Adegboyega Awomolo, formally closed its case following the testimony of its fifth and final witness, identified as EEE—a Department of State Services (DSS) operative—who testified behind security protocols.
Awomolo informed the court that the government had sufficiently established its case through five witnesses and multiple exhibits, including alleged broadcasts by Kanu inciting violence. “I therefore close the case,” he declared.
However, Kanu’s legal team, led by Kanu Agabi, SAN, indicated they would file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution failed to directly link the IPOB leader to the alleged crimes.
During his testimony, the DSS officer stated he was tasked with investigating the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests between 2020 and 2021, including destroyed properties and casualties among security personnel. He confirmed that 128 police officers, 37 army personnel, and 10 DSS agents were killed during the protests. Additionally, 164 police stations and 19 INEC offices were destroyed.
Three documents—including reports and death certificates—were admitted as exhibits despite pending objections from the defence.
Under cross-examination by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, the witness admitted he did not directly investigate Kanu or the alleged crimes. He also acknowledged not knowing whether the IPOB leader was the cause of the nationwide #EndSARS protests but claimed Kanu’s broadcasts incited public unrest.
When asked if prominent #EndSARS figures like Aisha Yesufu were also investigated, the witness said he had never looked into her and didn’t know her ethnicity or state of origin.
The defence team is expected to file its no-case submission before the next hearing date, arguing that Kanu has not been sufficiently implicated in any direct act of terrorism.