The Federal Government on Thursday officially closed its case in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who is leading the prosecution, made the announcement after the fifth and final prosecution witness, identified only as EEE for security reasons, concluded his testimony. The witness was cross-examined by Kanu’s lead counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Awomolo expressed confidence in the strength of the prosecution’s case, citing what he described as an “avalanche of evidence,” including video broadcasts attributed to Kanu, which he said linked the IPOB leader to the alleged offences.
“With the evidence tendered and witnesses called, we believe we have sufficiently presented our case,” Awomolo said. “I therefore close the case.”
In response, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, notified the court of their intention to file a no-case submission, signaling the defence’s position that the prosecution has not established a prima facie case against the defendant. The application will be filed in due course.
Justice Omotosho is expected to fix a date for hearing the no-case submission once it is filed.
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