The Federal Government has concluded its case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after presenting five witnesses in the ongoing terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu is standing trial on an eight-count charge related to terrorism.
The final witness for the prosecution, identified as Mr. EEE, is an officer of the Department of State Services (DSS) based in Abuja. During his testimony, he stated that although he was familiar with Kanu through the media, he had never met him in person.
Mr. EEE revealed that he led a DSS team to the southern region of Nigeria to gather records concerning events during the 2020–2021 EndSARS protests. According to the findings he presented, 128 police officers, 37 army personnel, and 10 DSS operatives were killed during that period. Additionally, 164 police stations and 19 offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were reportedly destroyed.
However, under cross-examination, the DSS officer admitted he was not directly involved in investigating any specific crimes allegedly committed by Kanu. He also acknowledged having no knowledge of IPOB’s involvement in incidents in cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, or Ile-Ife, nor was he aware of the findings of the Lagos State judicial panel on the EndSARS protests, which did not indict IPOB.
Following the cross-examination, the Federal Government announced it was closing its case, asserting that the witnesses and evidence presented were sufficient to support the charges.
Lead counsel to Kanu, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against his client. He requested 14 days from June 24 to file the motion.
Justice James Omotosho granted the request, giving both the defence and prosecution 14 days each to file their written addresses. The matter was adjourned to July 18, 2025, for the adoption of the submissions.
