The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially closed its case against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), after presenting five witnesses in the ongoing terrorism and treason trial.
The announcement came on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where counsel to the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho that the prosecution was satisfied with the evidence presented against the IPOB leader.
"After calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution is satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government has sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case," Awomolo stated. "I therefore close the case."
The final prosecution witness, identified only as "EEE" for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu's lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, before the prosecution rested its case.
Defense Opts for No-Case Submission
Following the prosecution's announcement, lead defense counsel Kanu Agabi informed the court that the defense team would be filing a no-case submission. This legal strategy suggests the defense believes the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case against their client.
Nnamdi Kanu has been facing charges related to terrorism and treason, with the government presenting evidence including broadcasts allegedly made by the IPOB leader.
The case has attracted significant attention across Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region where IPOB has its strongest support base. The organization was proscribed by the Nigerian government in 2017.
The court is expected to set a date for the hearing of the no-case submission by the defense team in the coming weeks.
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