The Abuja Federal High Court has ruled on the “no case” submission filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Friday, stating that the Department of State Services (DSS) had established a prima facie case against Kanu and that he must answer the questions raised by the terrorism charge. This finding means the court considers there is sufficient evidence to require Kanu to respond to the allegations.
Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, clarified that the ruling is not a pronouncement of guilt but a standard procedural step. It merely calls on the defendant to present his own defence and explain the evidence against him. The counsel emphasized that the decision does not imply either guilt or innocence; it simply allows Kanu to put forward his case.
The ruling also touched on the issue of extraordinary rendition—the alleged unlawful transfer of Kanu from Kenya to Nigeria. Ejimakor expressed concern over this aspect, noting that Kanu’s rendition is a well‑documented and notorious incident.
The case has attracted considerable attention both domestically and internationally. As a vocal advocate for Biafran independence, Kanu’s detention and trial have sparked widespread debate and protest. Moving forward, his legal team will have the opportunity to present a defence and respond to the evidence. The trial’s outcome is likely to have significant implications for the IPOB movement and Nigeria’s broader political landscape, and the international community will be watching closely as the next steps unfold in the coming weeks.
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