Court rejects Kanu’s no-case submission, orders him to open defence

By Kunle Sanni –

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in his ongoing terrorism trial.

Delivering his ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against Kanu through the testimonies of five prosecution witnesses.

The court ruled that the IPOB leader must enter his defence, noting that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring explanation.

“This is not to say the defendant is guilty as charged, but he is being accorded the right to a fair hearing to prove his innocence,” Justice Omotosho stated. “The defendant remains innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still bears the burden of proving its allegations beyond reasonable doubt.”

The judge further ruled that Kanu’s legal team failed to provide evidence of extraordinary rendition to Nigeria during the trial. Consequently, the court overruled his no-case submission and directed him to open his defence.

Kanu had filed the application after the prosecution closed its case in June, insisting that he had no case to answer.

Meanwhile, the court has ordered the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to set up an independent team of medical experts to evaluate Kanu’s health condition. Justice Omotosho gave the association’s president eight days to submit a report that will guide the court on whether Kanu should be transferred to the National Hospital for treatment.

The panel, according to the ruling, must include between eight and ten members—among them a cardiologist, a neurologist, and the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital. The team is also expected to assess DSS medical facilities to determine if they can meet Kanu’s health needs.