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Tag: Kanu

  • ‘Free Kanu Now’ protesters adamant despite police red alert

    ‘Free Kanu Now’ protesters adamant despite police red alert

    • NYCN, group disown action

    Despite warnings by the Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), organisers of the  #FreeNamdikanuNow vowed yesterday that there was no going back on today’s  planned protest in Abuja.

    Omoyele Sowore,   arrowhead of the protest and convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, said any security operative who brutalises peaceful protesters would be held ‘’accountable,’’.

    Sowore spoke via his social media post after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and the Federal Capital Territory Sector Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Olusola Odumosu, directed their men and officers to ensure strict enforcement of last week’s court order barring the protest organisers from getting near the   Presidential Villa in Abuja and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

    In the post, Sowore urged the new FCT police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, not to adopt a heavy-handed approach to the demonstration.

    But IGP Egbetokun ordered the officers and men, especially in the FCT, to be on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of the court order.

    He also directed all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments in strategic locations in Abuja to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

    NSCDC FCT Commandant   Odumosu said in a statement that the Service would ‘’not condone any form of destruction, vandalism or theft of public and private facilities in the name of protest.”

    Odumosu called on Nigerians, in support or against the planned protest, to adhere strictly to the provisions of the court order.

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    He said the personnel had been warned not to shoot, harass or intimidate any law-abiding citizen.

    The commandant, however, warned those with the intention of hijacking or disrupting the protest to have a rethink, as anyone caught would be arrested and dealt with.

     The statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Monica Ojobi, partly reads: “We are prepared as always to ensure there are no incidents of destruction of properties or threats to Infrastructure and the peace in the territory.

    “The deployed officers and men were drawn from specialised units, including Area Commands and Divisions, and have been properly briefed on the assignment as well as precautions to adhere to during the rally.” 

      Also yesterday, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), which described its facilities a ‘’Red Zone,’’ warned against any form of protest near them.

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has warned against any form of protest near its facilities across the country, saying that they are red zones for would-be protesters.

    The service, in a statement by its  Spokesman,  Umar Abubakar,   said:”In light of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the public is hereby informed that all correctional centres are declared as RED ZONES.

    “The Nigerian Correctional Service reiterates that correctional centres are restricted areas and anyone who has no official business therein should stay off to avoid any untoward incidents or security breaches.”

    Two youth groups– National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN)  and the   Task Force and Committee for Free Nnamdi Kanu—, yesterday distanced themselves from the protest. 

    Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the  NYCN, Buhari Shehu,   in a statement he  shared on his social platform, cautioned Nigerian youths  against participating in  the  protest  

      Shehu said the council  feared   the   ‘’protest may lead to a breakdown of law and order.’’

     ‘’ We urge all Nigerian youths to exercise restraint and stay out of trouble. We are concerned that the planned protest may lead to a breakdown of law and order, which could put lives and property at risk,” Shehu said.  

      Convener and Executive Secretary the the   Task Force and Committee for Free Nnamdi Kanu,   Emejulu  Okpalaezeukwu, said they decided not to be a part of the protest because political and traditional rulers, especially from the Southeast, are already on the Kanu matter. 

    He alleged that some people benefiting from the continued detention of the IPOB leader do not want him released.

    Okpalaezeukwu called on  “Ndi Igbo, particularly Igno traders, youth and peace-loving Nigerians to stay away from today’s protest..

    Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since June 2021, is facing a seven-count charge of terrorism and treasonable felony.

    The IPoB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, but fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State.

  • Alleged terrorism: Kanu begins moves to stall trial

    Alleged terrorism: Kanu begins moves to stall trial

    Detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has filed a fresh document which seeks to stall his ongoing trial for alleged terrorism offences.

    In the fresh document, filed on October 16 Kanu queried the jurisdiction of the court to continue with his trial and prayed the court to void all proceedings in the case so far.

    The document, titled: “Notice of preliminary objection to jurisdiction,” seen by The Nation, did not reflect the name of any lawyer in Kanu’s legal team as the person who prepared and filed the document.

    It was however, noted that the document was signed by the defendant himself (Kanu), while the 43-paragraph supporting affidavit was deposed to by one Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who claimed to be the defendant’s sibling.

    The Nation noted that Kanu’s new document was filed on the day (October 16) the court, before which he is standing trial for terrorism offences, fixed dates for him (Kanu) to open his defence.

    The prosecution has however queried the authenticity of the fresh document filed by Kanu and demanded to know, among others, if it emanated from the defendant’s legal team.

    Kanu’s legal team is headed by a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN).

    In a letter, dated October 16, the lead prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) requested Agabi to confirm if the document indeed emanated from the defendant’s legal team, which he (Agabi) leads.

    The letter reads: “Our law office received, today, the 16th day of October, 2025, a process titled: “Notice of preliminary Objection to Jurisdiction,” dated and filed 16th October, 2025. 

    “Grateful, confirm whether this process emanated from the legal team led by you, representing the defendant in this criminal trial.

    “Please accept the assurances of our highest professional regards. Yours faithfully.”

    At the last hearing in the terrorism case on October 16 Justice James Omotosho announced that, in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case, he would adjourn for six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, for the defence to open and close its case.

    Also on October 16, Justice Omotosho announced that the medical report issued a team empanelled by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the examined Kanu, declared him medically fit to continue his trial having found that the ailments he complained about were not lie threatening.

    Justice Omotosho, during October 16 hearing, read the concluding part of the medical report in the open court after Agabi confirmed that he received and read the report of the medical examination of his client by the NMA team.

    The report concluded that the ailments that Kanu complained about were not life threatening and that he was fit to continue to stand trial.

    When asked by the judge whether he had seen the report, Agabi confirmed receiving a copy, which he said he read and shared with members of his team.

    Agabi told the court that the defence team had nothing against the report.

    The judge thereafter requested Agabi and Awomolo to agree on the dates convenient for them. Both lawyers suggested October 23 for the commencement of the defendant’s case.

    Shortly before he adjourned for the day, Justice Omotosho granted an oral application by Agabi that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS), before the commencement of his defence.

    Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be secretly tapped or recorded by the DSS.

    Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present. Agabi chose October 22, a day before the date set for Kanu to open his defence.

    Based on Agabi’s request, Justice Omotosho ordered that the private consultation meeting between Kanu and his legal team should hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12 noon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

    However, in his fresh notice of objection, Kanu is praying for the following reliefs:

    *A declaration that the continued prosecution of the defendant under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) Amendment Act 2013, and upon a proscription order obtained ex-parte and without fair hearing, violates sections 1(3), 36(1)-(12) and 42 of

    the Constitution and Articles 7 and 26 of the African Charter, and is therefore, null and

    void.

    *A declaration that the Federal High Court’s ex-parte order proscribing IPOB, obtained without notice or hearing, while Justice Binta Nyako’s subsisting ruling (that IPOB is not a lawful society) remained in force, is unconstitutional, unlawful and cannot ground criminal liability. 

    *An order striking out or permanently staying counts one to eight, (save count 15) of the amended charge, dated 14th January 2022 for being barred by double jeopardy, having

    the same factual ingredients as counts six-14 earlier struck out by the Federal High Court on 8th April 2022.

    *An order declaring that the defendant’s extraordinary rendition from Kenya, without

    extradition proceedings or due process violated Section 36(1) & (9) of the Constitution, the Extradition Act (Cap E25 LFN 2004), and Articles 12 and 13 of the African Charter, thereby robbing this honourable court of jurisdiction.

    *An order nullifying all proceedings conducted in breach of the defendant’s right to adequate facilities for defence, confidential communication with counsel and fair hearing, particularly the eavesdropping, seizure of legal materials, and denial of unmonitored access.

    Kanu predicated his notice of objection on five grounds, the first of which is his contention that his continued prosecution “despite the binding Court of Appeal discharge of 13 October 2022 and eight-day post-judgment detention constitutes flagrant contempt of court.”

    He further argued in that he could not be prosecuted on the basis of repealed laws and that his alleged extraordinary judicial rendition from Kenya robbed the court of the required jurisdiction to try him.

    Kanu also complained of being allegedly denied fair hearing and adequate facilities to prepare for his defence.

  • NMA: Kanu’s ailment not life-threatening, fit to stand trial

    NMA: Kanu’s ailment not life-threatening, fit to stand trial

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has concluded that the ailment complained of by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life-threatening.

    Its medical team was constituted following an order by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, who directed an independent assessment of Kanu’s health amid conflicting claims by medical experts engaged by both the prosecution and the defence.

    In its report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), and partially read in open court yesterday, the NMA panel confirmed that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

    Based on the report and without objection from either side, Justice Omotosho ruled that the defendant could proceed with his trial.

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    The judge subsequently granted Kanu six consecutive days—beginning from October 23—to open and close his defence.

    Justice Omotosho also granted an oral application by defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), for Kanu’s legal team to have a private consultation with him outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Agabi had expressed concerns that meetings with his client within DSS facilities could be monitored or recorded. The court approved that the private consultation be held in the courtroom between 9 a.m. and 12 noon on October 22, during which only Kanu and his lawyers would be present. The trial is scheduled to resume on October 23.

    Yesterday, Awomolo informed the court that the NMA medical team had concluded its work and submitted its report to the prosecution, which was subsequently filed in the court’s registry and served on the defence.

    When asked by the judge to confirm this, Agabi acknowledged receipt of the report, adding that he had read it and distributed copies to members of his team. He said the defence had no objection to its findings.

    NBA cautions against protest

    Also yesterday, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) warned individuals and groups planning to stage protests over Kanu’s continued detention to avoid undermining the ongoing judicial process.

    The warning followed an announcement by politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, about a planned protest on October 20 to demand Kanu’s release.

    NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), told reporters that while Nigerians have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest, such actions must not compromise or interfere with court proceedings.

  • BREAKING: Kanu fit to stand trial – NMA

    BREAKING: Kanu fit to stand trial – NMA

    The team empanelled by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has said the ailment complained about by detained self acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is not life threatening.

    The medical team was ordered by Justice James Omotosho, midway into Kanu’s terrorism trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja, to ascertain Kanu’s actual health status following conflicting claims on the issue by medical experts engaged by the prosecution and the defence.

    In the panel’s report, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), part of which was read in the open court during Thursday’s proceedings, it was stated the the defendant’s ailment is not life threatening.

    The team concluded that Kanu is fit to stand trial.

    Based on the information contained in the report and in the absence of any objection from lawyers to parties, Justice Omotosho said the court was convinced that the defendant could proceed with the trial.

    Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the defendant six consecutive days, begining from October 23, to open and close his defence.

    The judge granted an oral application by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN) that Kanu’s legal team be granted private consultation opportunity with the defendant, outside the premises of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Read Also: Nigeria’s and the Nnamdi Kanu dilemma

    Agabi said the defendant’s legal team was afraid that its consultation with him (Kanu) could be tapped or recorded by the DSS.

    Justice Omotosho also acceded to Agabi’s request that the private meeting with Kanu be held in the courtroom, during which only the defendant and his lawyers would be present.

    By the court’s directive, the private consultation meeting will hold within the courtroom between 9am and 12nooon on October 22, while the trial will resume on October 23.

    Details shortly…

  • DSS faults Kanu’s claim of being treated by quacks

    DSS faults Kanu’s claim of being treated by quacks

    • Appeal Court reserves judgment

    The Department of State Services (DSS) has faulted the claim by detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, that he was denied adequate medical attention and subjected to the care of quacks rather than doctors.

    The lawyer to the DSS, I. Awo, argued that contrary to Kanu’s claim, the detainee had never been treated by a quack at the facility of the secret police.

    Awo spoke yesterday at the hearing of an appeal filed by Kanu before the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

    The lawyer, who represented the DSS and its Director General, told the court that the appellant was undergoing trial for terrorism-related offences, where the issue of his access to adequate medical attention had also featured.

    He urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of merit.

    Lawyer to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), T. Agber, prayed the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the earlier decision of the trial court.

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    The appellant’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, told the court that the appeal was against the June 3, 2022, judgment delivered by Justice Taiwo Taiwo (now retired) of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Opara said the appeal challenged Justice Taiwo’s alleged failure to allow parties call oral evidence in view of the dispute over whether or not the DSS subjected his client to treatment by quacks.

    He said: “What we are saying is that this issue has to do with somebody’s right to life.

    “The respondents brought in a quack to examine the appellant, despite his insistence that he should be brought before qualified medical experts.

    “The respondents denied. We said there was a conflict, which would have required us to call oral evidence, but which the trial court rejected,” he said.

    Opara prayed the court to promptly determine the appeal, “because the life of an individual is involved”.

    The lawyer urged the court to set aside Justice Taiwo’s decision.

    After listening to the lawyers’ submissions, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Boloukuromo Ugo, said judgment in the appeal was reserved till a date to be communicated to the parties.

    Other members of the panel are Justices Okon Abang and Oyejoju Oyewumi.

    Kanu had claimed, among others, that his health was deteriorating in the DSS custody, and that the medical personnel assigned to attend to him by the DSS were unqualified.

    The detainee also claimed that the DSS denied him the right to practice his religion.

    In his June 3, 2022 judgment, Justice Taiwo dismissed Kanu’s fundamental rights enforcement suit because it was without merit.

    Justice Taiwo noted that Kanu failed to provide sufficient evidence that his fundamental rights were infringed upon by the DSS “as there is no proof of torture before the court.”

    On Kanu’s right to practise his religion, the judge held that while he has the constitutional right to practice his religion, but as a suspect in custody, he cannot be allowed to practise his religion in such a way that would disturb the peace of other persons in custody.

    The judge also held that Kanu failed to lead evidence by calling a medical practitioner to convince the court that he was denied adequate medical attention from experts.

  • Alleged terrorism: Court to rule on Kanu’s no-case submission Friday

    Alleged terrorism: Court to rule on Kanu’s no-case submission Friday

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has rescheduled ruling for September 26 on the no-case submission made by detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    The IPOB leader is on trial on terrorism-related charges.

    The Nation learnt yesterday that the ruling earlier scheduled for October 10 by Justice James Omotosho was brought forward to September 26.

    It was also learnt that a judge has the prerogative to determine when to render a decision within the three months allowed by the Constitution, once parties are notified about the date.

    Justice Omotosho had, on July 18, adjourned till October 10 for ruling on the no-case submission after lawyers to the parties made their submissions and adopted their written addresses.

    In opposing Kanu’s no-case submission on July 18, prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to direct Kanu to enter a defence in the terrorism charge for which he is being prosecuted.

    Awomolo also urged the court to reject the no-case submission made by the defence and prayed the court to, instead, order him to explain why he engaged in terrorism-related activities that promoted violence and destruction, including the killing of not less than 170 security officials.

    Awomolo, who adopted the prosecution’s address in opposition to the no-case submission made by Kanu, said the prosecution has supplied sufficient evidence in proof of all elements of the offences charged to warrant the court to call on the defendant to enter a defence.

    The lawyer recalled that the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered many exhibits, including video and audio evidence, adding that, as against the claim by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the reply address of the prosecution addressed all issues raised, to the effect that the no case submission is of no moment.

    Awomolo, who prayed the court to dismiss the no-case submission, argued that all the court was required to do at this stage of the case was to take a panoramic view of the evidence led so far and determine whether or not a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant to warrant his being called to enter a defence.

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    He noted that the defence, in its no-case submission, attacked the credibility of the witnesses, the record and evidence led so far, which is not what is required at this stage.

    Stressing why the court should reject the no-case submission, Awomolo noted that in both the video and audio evidence tendered by the prosecution, Kanu admitted being the leader of IPOB, which he knew was a proscribed group.

    He added that Kanu also, in some other videos, admitted making broadcasts in which he allegedly called for violence and destruction.

    Reading a portion of the defendant’s address in support of his no-case submission, Awomolo faulted Kanu’s lawyer’s argument that his several broadcasts amounted to a clear case of boasting that did not require criminal prosecution.

    Awomolo argued that the law prohibits statements that have the possibility of causing fear in the minds of the people.

    He added: “Why will somebody say a terrorist, who boasted that security men and other people should be killed, should be allowed to go free?”

    Awomolo argued that the defendant aimed to create the separate state of Biafra, and in the process, not less than 170 security men were killed because of his boasting.

    “Why was he boasting? Boasting is not the answer. If the defendant believes that he was merely joking and was a content creator, he should be made to answer why he was boasting and creating fear in the minds of the people.

    “When a person is boasting and threatening death and violence, that cannot be said to be mere boasting,” Awomolo said.

    The lawyer urged the court to call on the defendant to come and explain what his boasting was about.

    He faulted the claim by Agabi (a former Attorney General of the Federation) that the defendant has been in solitary confinement for 10 years.

    The prosecuting lawyer noted that Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015, was granted bail in 2017, which he enjoyed until 2022 when it was revoked because he jumped bail.

    Awomolo said the current detention of the defendant was upon an order of the court, which found that he jumped the earlier bail granted him.

    He also accused the defence legal team of being behind the delays experienced in the case before now.

    Awomolo added: “For three years, his counsel was responsible for the delay of the trial. The delay had been the shenanigans of the defence team, not that of the prosecution.

    “Their claim that this case has lasted for 10 years is not true. They are the cause of the delay,” he said.

    Harping on Kanu’s argument that IPOB was not lawfully proscribed, Awomolo contended that since the issue was currently before the Supreme Court, it would be inappropriate for the trial court to pronounce on whether or not the proscription was properly done.

     In urging the court to allow the no-case submission, Agabi argued that all the prosecution has succeeded in doing is to paint a picture that the defendant is a bad man.

    He contended that no single element of the offences charged was proved by the prosecution, adding that the prosecution did not bring anyone before the court who said he was incited by Kanu’s broadcasts.

    Agabi said: “This man (Kanu) can boast. He was just boasting. He said I can bring the world to a standstill. I don’t see anything wrong with that. You don’t prosecute a man for mere boasting.”

    The defence lawyer drew the court’s attention to the wave of killings in most parts of the country and argued that the defendant was equally concerned with the state of insecurity in the country.

    Insisting that the defendant did nothing wrong, Agabi said the defence team tendered evidence in the case where the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi and a former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, were heard advocating that people should defend themselves against attacks.

    Agabi argued that “what the defendant said was that the people should defend themselves.”

    He faulted the #EndSARS report tendered by the prosecution because it was not authenticated.

    Agabi said his client has been under solitary confinement for more than six years, noting that under International Law, solitary confinement must not exceed 15 days.

    “He (the defendant) is no longer normal on account of his solitary confinement. The case has been pending for 10 years. 

    “Memories have been lost, which is why most of the prosecution witnesses were saying they can’t remember, they don’t know, when they were asked questions,” he said.

    Agabi also faulted the death reports tendered by the prosecution, arguing that the reports were tendered without the doctors being invited to be cross-examined.

    According to him, from the record of proceedings, the witnesses called by the prosecution said “I don’t remember, I am not aware, I do not know” for 80 times, when they were being questioned.

    He argued that such responses from witnesses do not satisfy the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

    Agabi, who said the defence team raised 40 points in its address, stated that the prosecution failed to respond to 10 issues which the defence raised.

    “If they (prosecution) failed to respond to one or two issues, it is enough for the court to acquit the defendant. But, in this case, the prosecution failed to respond to 10 issues raised by the defence.

    “The participation of the witnesses was not more than obtaining statements. The statements obtained from the defendant were not investigated,

    “All the witnesses came from the DSS. That is why they kept saying I can’t remember, I am not aware because they did nothing,” he said.

    Agabi urged the court not to attach probative value to the additional evidence filed after trial had commenced in the case.

    He noted that the charge had been amended about seven times, but no persons’ names were reflected as those who were incited by the defendant.

    Agabi faulted the proscription of IPOB, arguing that proscription does not lie without the President’s approval. “

    He added: “Without the President’s approval, there cannot be any proscription.

    “We are saying there is no proscription, because there is no presidential approval; if they have it, they should bring it.

    Agabi argued that the court lacked the jurisdiction to try the charge relating to the alleged unlawfully imported transmitter, noting that the Court of Appeal had already ruled on that.

  • Ex-Lagos lawmaker Idimogu urges Tinubu to pardon Kanu

    Ex-Lagos lawmaker Idimogu urges Tinubu to pardon Kanu

    • By Chinaka Okoro

    Jude Emeka Idimogu has urged with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2021, brought to Nigeria and has since been facing trial.

    Hon. Idimogu noted that the action taken will be a decisive factor in determining Tinubu’s success in the Southeast zone in terms of vote gathering.

    Idimogu urged well-meaning Nigerians, including Igbo leaders, Southeast governors, to speak in unison by appealing to the President to grant Kanu a pardon.

    He said that such a pardon, if granted, would not be forgotten and would aid the party’s fortune in the Southeast in the 2027 general elections.

    “I want to plead with our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to kindly see the need to use political means to grant Nnamdi Kanu clemency. I want to appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians, not just those from the Igbo extraction, to help plead with Mr President to use his good offices to release Nnamdi Kanu. If this is done, I believe the insecurity situation and tension in the Southeast will reduce, if not completely eradicate,” he said.

    According to Idimogu, who is the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, a lot of miscreants have been using Nnamdi Kanu’s name to cause mayhem in the region, noting that the release of Kanu has a lot of advantages both for the Southeast and Nigeria, even as he said that it would de-escalate the tension and make the economy of the region to come alive again.

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    “Mr President, consider the Southeast’s case and bring back businesses and trading, long stagnated in the region because of insecurity. An average Igbo man is a trader. We cannot overlook this situation and the contributions of these traders in the Southeast to the economy.

    “Southeast used to be home to a lot of people before now; it just suddenly changed to be a den of insecurity and other vices.

    This can be arrested with Kanu’s release. Mr President, we know you to be a father with a compassionate heart. Please, help us in the Southeast by granting Nnamdi Kanu freedom.

    This will help in stabilising our region,” Idimogu stated.

    He added that releasing Kanu would also help the ruling APC in the Southeast as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

    “It will add to APC votes in the Southeast. If the President can look at this issue, the Southeast will never forget him but forever be grateful,” he said.

  • Alleged terrorism: Let Kanu defend his actions, prosecution tells court

    Alleged terrorism: Let Kanu defend his actions, prosecution tells court

    • Urges court to reject IPOB leader’s no-case submission
    • Our client was only boasting, says ex-AGF Agabi •Court to rule October 10

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has been urged to order the detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu to enter a defence in the terrorism charge in respect of which he is being prosecuted.

    Prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), who made this request during Friday’s proceedings, also urged the court to reject the no-case submission made by the defence.

     He prayed the court to instead, order him to explain why he engaged in terrorism activities that promoted violence and destruction, including the killing of not fewer than 170 security officials.

     Awomolo, while adopting the prosecution’s address in an opposition to the no-case submission made by Kanu, said the prosecution has supplied sufficient evidence in proof of all elements of the offences charged to warrant the court to call on the defendant to enter a defence.

     He noted that the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered many exhibits, including video and audio evidence, adding that as against the claim by defence lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), the reply address of the prosecution addressed all issues raised, to the effect that the no case submission is of no moment.

     Awomolo, who prayed the court to dismiss the no-case submission, argued that all the court was required to do at this stage of the case was to take a panoramic view of the evidence led so far and determine whether or not a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant to warrant his being called to enter a defence.

     He noted that the defence, in its no-case submission, attacked the credibility of the witnesses, the record and evidence led so far, which is not what is required at this stage.

    Read Also: Alleged terrorism: ‘Let Kanu provide defence for his actions’ – Prosecution tells court

     Stressing why court should reject the no-case submission, Awomolo noted that in both the video and audio evidence tendered by the prosecution, Kanu admitted being the leader of IPOB, which he knew was a proscribed group.

     He added that Kanu also, in some other videos, admitted making broadcasts in which he allegedly called for violence and destruction.

     Reading a portion the defendant’s address in support of his no-case submission, Awomolo faulted Kanu’s lawyer’s argument that his several broadcasts amounted to a clear case of boasting that did not require criminal prosecution.

     Awomolo argued that the law prohibits statements that have the possibility of causing fear in the mind of the people.

     He added: “Why will somebody say a terrorist who boasted that security men and other people should be killed, should be allowed to go free?”

     Awomolo argued that the aim of the defendant was to create the separate state of Biafra, and in the process, no fewer than 170 security men were killed because of his boasting.

     “Why was he boasting? Boasting is not the answer. If the defendant believes that he was merely joking and was a content creator, he should be made to answer to why he was boasting and creating fear in the mind of the people.

     “When person is boasting and threatening death and violence, that cannot be said to be mere boasting,” Awomolo said.

     He urged the court to call on the defendant to come and explain what his boasting was about.

     Awomolo faulted claim by Agabi (a former Attorney General of the Federation) that the defendant has been in solitary confinement for 10 years now.

     The prosecuting lawyer noted that Kanu, who was first arrested in 2015, was granted bail in 2017, which he enjoyed until 2022 when it was revoked on the grounds that he jumped bail.

     Awomolo said the current detention of the defendant was upon an order of the court, which found that he jumped the earlier bail granted him.

     He also accused the defence legal team of being behind the delays experienced in the case before now.

     Awomolo added: “For three years, his counsel were responsible for the delay of trial. The delay had been the shenanigans of the defence team, not that of the prosecution.

     “Their case that this case has lasted for 10 years is not true. They are the cause of the delay,” he said.

     On Kanu’s argument that IPOB was not lawfully proscribed, Awomolo contended that since the issue was currently before the Supreme Court, it would be inappropriate for the trial court to pronounce on whether or not the proscription was properly done.

    Earlier, Agabi argued that all the prosecution has succeeded in doing was to paint the picture that the defendant is a bad man.

     He contended that no single element of the offences charged was proved by the prosecution, adding that the prosecution did not bring anyone before the court who said he was incited by Kanu’s broadcasts.

     Agabi said: “This man (Kanu) can boast. He was just boasting. He said I can bring the world to a stand still. I don’t see anything wrong with that. You don’t prosecute a man for mere boasting.”

     He drew the court’s attention to the wave of killings in most parts of the country, and argued that the defendant was equally concerned with the state of insecurity in the country.

     While insisting that the defendant did nothing wrong, Agabi said the defence team tendered evidence in the case where the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi, and a former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, were heard advocating that people should defend themselves against attacks.

     Agabi argued that “what the defendant said was that the people should defend themselves.”

     He faulted the ENDSARS report tendered by the prosecution on the grounds that it was not authenticated.

     Agabi said his client has been under solitary confinement for more than six years, noting that under International Law, solitary confinement must not exceed 15 days.

     The defence lawyer said: “He (the defendant) is no longer normal on account of his solitary confinement. The case has been pending for 10 years. 

     “Memories have been lost, which is why most of the prosecution witnesses were saying they can’t remember, they don’t know, when they were asked questions,” he said.

     He also faulted the death reports tendered by the prosecution, arguing that reports were tendered without the doctors being invited to be cross-examined.

     Agabi noted that from the record of proceedings, the witnesses called by the prosecution said “I don’t remember, I am not aware, I do not know” for 80 times, when they were being questioned.

     He argued that such responses from witnesses do not satisfy the requirement of proof beyond reasonable doubt.

     Agabi, who said the defence team raised 40 points in its address, stated that the prosecution failed to respond to 10 issues which the defence raised.

     “If they (prosecution) failed to respond to one or two issues, it is enough for the court to acquit the defendant. But, in this case, the prosecution failed to respond to 10 issues raised by the defence.

     “The participation of the witnesses was not more than obtaining statements. The statements obtained from the defendant were not investigated,

     “All the witnesses came from the DSS. That is why they kept saying I can’t remember, I am not aware because they did nothing,” he said.

     Agabi urged the court not to attach probative value to the additional evidence filed after trial had commenced in the case.

     He noted that the charge had been amended for about seven times, but no persons’ names were reflected as those who were invited by the defendant.

     Agabi faulted the proscription of IPOB, arguing that proscription does not lie without the President’s approval. “

     He added: “Without the President’s approval there cannot be any proscription.

     “We are saying there is no proscription, because there is no presidential approval. If they have it, they should bring it.”

     Agabi argued that the court lacked that jurisdiction to try the charge relating to the alleged unlawful imported transmitter, noting that the Court of Appeal had already ruled on that.

     After listening to the arguments of lawyers to both sides, Justice James Omotosho adjourned till October 10 for ruling on whether or not to allow the no-case submission and free the defendant or reject it and order him to enter his defence.

  • MASSOB begs Tinubu to release IPOB’s Kanu

    MASSOB begs Tinubu to release IPOB’s Kanu

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, for the sake of national unity

    MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, told The Nation Kanu’s release will contribute to national healing and unity, fostering better relations between different ethnic groups and the Federal Government.

    He aruged Kanu’s release will pave the way for dialogue aimed at addressing the grievances of the southeastern region, which according to him, led to calls for self-determination and greater autonomy.

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    According to him: “Our call for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release also reflects the sentiments of many individuals and groups in Igbo land, Nigeria and globally who continue to advocate for Kanu’s release and see it as a critical step towards addressing broader political and social issues.

    “MASSOB’s appeal also serves not only as a demand for Kanu’s release but also as a reflection of broader aspirations for justice and recognition of the rights of Biafra people within the Nigerian federation.

    “The outcome of this appeal may influence future dialogue between the government and various ethnic groups in Nigeria.”

  • Kanu ‘honoured’ as Egypt’s Pyramids crowned African champions

    Kanu ‘honoured’ as Egypt’s Pyramids crowned African champions

    Pyramids of Egypt survived late pressure to beat Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa 2-1 in Cairo and win the CAF Champions League for the first time-on a day Nigerian legend star Nwankwo Kanu was the trophy bearer.

    Competing in the premier African club competition for only the second time, Pyramids triumphed 3-2 on aggregate after the first leg was drawn 1-1 in Pretoria last weekend.

    Fiston Mayele scored after 23 minutes and Ahmed Samy on 56 minutes for the Egyptian outfit before Iqraam Rayners reduced the arrears in the 75th minute.

    Listless for much of the match, Sundowns pressed in the closing stages, but the second goal that would have given them overall victory on away goals proved elusive.

    Pleas by Pyramids, who normally attract crowds of just a few thousand, for support led to their 30,000-seat stadium being about half full for the second leg.

    Both clubs made one change to the first-leg starting line-ups last weekend in Pretoria, where Walid el Karti headed an added-time equaliser after Lucas Ribeiro gave Sundowns an early second half lead.

    Pyramids coach Krunoslav Jurcic, a former Croatia midfielder, dropped forward Ibrahim Adel, scorer of six goals en route to the final, and promoted ex-English Premier League forward Ramadan Sobhi.

    Sundowns’ Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso left out Brazilian forward Arthur Sales and gave a starting place to midfielder Jayden Adams.

    Cardoso is only the second coach after Argentine Oscar Fullone to reach consecutive Champions League finals with different clubs.

    Ahmed Samy of Pyramids celebrates victory with trophy during the CAF Champions League 2024/25 2nd Leg Final match between Pyramids and Mamelodi Sundowns at 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on 1 June 2025 ©Gavin BarkerBackpagePix

    Fullone, who died in 2017 aged 78, guided ASEC Mimosas of the Ivory Coast in 1998 and Raja Casablanca of Morocco the following year to victory in finals of the premier African club competition.

    Cardoso took Esperance of Tunisia to the 2024 final, which they lost to Al Ahly of Egypt with an own goal separating the sides.

    A new Champions League trophy, unveiled before the first leg, was brought to the touchline at the 30 June Stadium by 48-year-old Nigerian legend and former Inter Milan and Arsenal star Nwankwo Kanu.

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    On a warm, windy first day, both teams constantly surrendered possession cheaply before Pyramids took the lead when Mayele scored his ninth goal of the African campaign.

    A cross by Ahmed Atef was partially cleared by Grant Kekana and Mayele pounced to slam a snap low shot across goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner of the net.

    Tensions rose and the Somali referee yellow-carded Atef and Aubrey Modiba after the duo had an angry clash, leading with their heads.

    Sundowns squandered a great chance in first half added time when Tashreeq Matthews broke through only to see his shot parried by the left leg of goalkeeper Ahmed el Shenawy.

    It was the only time the Pretoria outfit threatened in the opening half despite having much more possession.

    Pyramids struck again when Mohamed Chibi placed a free kick into the goalmouth and central defender Samy headed powerfully into the net.

    It was the first goal for Samy in the 16-match Champions League campaign and he became the 19th Pyramids player to score in the competition this season.

    Sundowns replied when a weak headed clearance offered Rayners a chance and he fired past El Shenawy from close range.