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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • DSS faults Nnamdi Kanu’s claim of being subjected to quack doctors

    DSS faults Nnamdi Kanu’s claim of being subjected to quack doctors

    …Appeal Court reserves judgment

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

    DSS’ lawyer, I. Awo argued that, contrary to the claim by Kanu, who is currently being held in the agency’s custody, he has never been attended to by a quack doctor at the facility of DSS.

    Awo spoke on Wednesday 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 is currently undergoing trial for terrorism related offences, where the issue of his access to adequate medical attention has also featured.

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

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

    Appellant’s lawyer, Maxwell Opara, told the court that the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/813/2022, is against the June 3, 2022, by Justice Taiwo Taiwo (now retired) of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Opara said the appeal challenged the failure by Justice Taiwo to allow parties to call oral evidence in view of the dispute over whether or not his client was subjected to the attention of quack doctors by the DSS.

    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 doctor to examine the appellant despite his insistence that he should be before qualified medical experts.

    Read Also: Judge transfers Nnamdi Kanu’s motion to Chief Judge for reassignment

    “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.”

    He urged the court to set aside the decision by Justice Taiwo.

    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 is reserved till a date to be communicated to the parties.

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

    Kanu had, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021, 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.

    He 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 was of the view that while he has the constitutional right to practice his religion, as a suspect in custody, he cannot be allowed to practise his religion in such a way that would disturb the peace of other suspects in custody.

    The judge further 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.

  • Release Nnamdi Kanu to Bianca Ojukwu, Ohanaeze PG, Onoh pleads with Tinubu

    Release Nnamdi Kanu to Bianca Ojukwu, Ohanaeze PG, Onoh pleads with Tinubu

    Former campaign spokesman for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign in the Southeast Josef Onoh has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Amb. Bianca and President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata.

    Onoh also suggested that each of the Southeast Governors shall nominate the chairmen of their respective traditional rulers council to be led by the Obi of Onitsha, HRH Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, to sign the undertaking with the National Security Adviser (NSA) in the bail bond.

    He said that his nomination of Bianca Ojukwu and Azuta Mbata is because of their unassailable integrity, deep-rooted commitment to Igbo heritage, and proven track record as non-partisan stewards of peace.

    He stated that his choice for Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was not because of his relationship with her but because she is the widow of the Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the architect of Biafran resilience and a symbol of Igbo identity.

    Onoh said that Bianca’s appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs positions her uniquely to bridge federal and regional divides, while Senator Mbata as President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide holds the trust of the Igbo nationality.

    “Unlike partisan actors, entrusting Mazi Kanu to these custodians, Mr. President would preempt any risk of his release being politicized by Southeast politicians eyeing 2027 polls or internal rivalries.

    “Senator Mbata’s role transcends electoral cycles, allowing him to facilitate community reintegration without the taint of personal ambition. His leadership in mobilizing Ndigbo for civic duties, such as voter registration, further proves his dedication to democratic participation over separatist extremes,” Onoh said.

    Onoh said that President Tinubu should leaverage on his administration’s renewed hope agenda, particularly as its emphasis inclusive governance and conflict resolution to grant the plea.

    He noted that the prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in 2021, has cast a long shadow over the Southeast, while his charges of terrorism and treasonable felony have not only exacerbated insecurity but also allowed opportunistic criminals to masquerade as separatists, fueling violence, economic sabotage, and the displacement of people. 

    Onoh extended his gratitude to the president for the timely diplomatic efforts he made to bring to justice the Finland based Nigerian leader of the dreaded armed breakaway gang of IPOB the ESN, and especially the leadership of the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu-led NSA. 

    Speaking further, Onoh said that he’s aware that president Tinubu knows that the release of Mazi Kanu is not merely a legal or humanitarian imperative but a strategic pathway to de-escalate tensions, unmask genuine agitators from bandits, and restore investor confidence in the southeast. 

    “In this spirit, I respectfully urge Mr President to exercise his constitutional powers of prerogative of mercy and release Mazi Kanu unconditionally—but with a deliberate handover into the personal custody of two exemplary figures: Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Senator John Azuta-Mbata. 

    “This approach would transform a potentially divisive act into a unifying gesture, ensuring that Mazi Kanu’s reintegration serves the collective good rather than narrow ambitions. This handover would signal your commitment to inclusive federalism, honor the Southeast’s contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, and align with global best practices for resolving separatist tensions through trusted mediators.

    “Releasing Mazi Kanu under these safeguards would not only quench the fires of agitation but also fortify the Renewed Hope agenda, proving that Nigeria’s unity thrives on justice, not coercion. I stand ready to support this process in any capacity and beseech you to act swiftly,” Onoh pleaded.

  • Judge transfers Nnamdi Kanu’s motion to Chief Judge for reassignment

    Judge transfers Nnamdi Kanu’s motion to Chief Judge for reassignment

    • Kanu: I need to go for medical care

    Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja, yesterday, sent back to the chief judge (CJ), a motion filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for reassignment.

    In the motion ex parte, Kanu sought an order of the court transferring him to the Abuja National Hospital for urgent medical attention.

    Justice Liman, in a short ruling, made the order transferring the case file back to the CJ, following an application by Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), because the annual vacation of the court would be ending today.

    The Department of State Services (DSS)’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), did not oppose Uchenna‘s application.

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    Upon resumed hearing in the case, the judge hinted that there was no time for the vacation court to decide Kanu’s motion.

    He said not less than 30 cases were listed for the day’s proceedings by the Registrar, and since the court would be unable to take all, the cases were pruned down to six.

    The judge said in line with Section 46(8) of the FHC Rules, any case that could not be completed within the vacation period would have to be sent back to the CJ for reassignment.

    He said that though Kanu’s motion was an urgent one in view of the health grounds, it was filed late.

    Responding, Awomolo said in case management, the court had the overriding decision on which case to go on and which is not to go on.

    “Your lordship cannot perform any magic,” he said.

    Njoku said their application, dated Sept.1, was filed on the same date.

    “I have been served a few minutes ago the counter-affidavit of the complainant/respondent (DSS). My lord, I haven’t read it,” the lawyer said.

    He then sought the leave of the court to confer with Awomolo.

    “Having confer with the lead counsel for the complainant/respondent, and in the light of the remarks my lord made this morning which is sensible and clearly persuasive to the bar, and given that the vacation ends today and in order not to impose a date on your learner brother in whom the substantive case is pending, we will be asking for an adjournment,” Njoku said.

    Awomolo said it was unfortunate that the matter was coming up rather late.

    “Had it been that they filed the application earlier, it would have been taken during vacation. But we are ready to take the motion any time, any day,” he said.

    Justice Liman consequently ordered that the case file be referred to the registry for reassignment.

    Justice Liman had fixed today for the hearing of Kanu’s application.

    The judge had granted the motion ex parte, praying for the permission of the court to hear the application during the vacation in view of its urgency.

    He then ordered Kanu’s lawyer to serve all the processes and the hearing notice on the DSS for the security agency to respond appropriately.

    Kanu, in the ex parte motion with charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, had sought relief. In the motion filed by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), he sought an order “granting leave for the applicant’s motion dated 1st September, 2025 to be heard before the vacation judge.”

    Giving an 11-ground argument why their request should be granted, Agabi said Kanu is presently standing trial before Justice James Omotosho in charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015.

    He said Kanu, on May 19, filed an application praying the court to admit him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the terrorism charge.

    The lawyer, however, said that the said application could not be taken before the annual vacation of the court, hence his continued detention.

    According to him, while awaiting the resumption of the court activities, the applicant’s health took a worrisome decline, necessitating the invitation of doctors for the purpose of carrying out a thorough examination of the applicant.

    “The examination revealed issues with his health, including organs such as his pancreas and liver, as well as an emerging lump underneath his armpit and dangerously low levels of potassium.

    “The doctors have recommended that he be moved to the National Hospital as an interim measure to afford him medical attention and forestall further decline.

    “The applicant’s health is seriously deteriorating, considering the nature of his confinement, thereby making more pressing the need to bring this application and have the same heard by a vacation judge,” Agabi said.

    He alleged that a letter by the doctors to the Director-General of the DSS, advising the transfer of Kanu, had gone without answer

  • Hearing in Nnamdi Kanu’s motion for health attention stalled

    Hearing in Nnamdi Kanu’s motion for health attention stalled

    …judge returns file for reassignment

    The scheduled hearing on Monday of a fresh motion filed by the detained self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was stalled before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Kanu is, by the motion, seeking an order for his transfer from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.

    At the mention of the case on Monday, Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), said his client’s motion was filed on September 1.

    Njoku said the respondent (the DSS) served him with a counter-affidavit of 37 paragraphs in the open court before the commencement of proceedings.

    He said he had yet to read the document to enable him to respond. He prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him to file a response before the court’s ongoing vacation runs out.

    Lawyer to the DSS, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) did not object to Njoku’s request for an adjournment and expressed his willingness to attend court at any time and on any day chosen.

    Ruling, Justice Musa Liman granted the adjustment sought by Njoku.

    The judge noted that there was nothing much his court could do about the case since the fiat issued to him to serve as a vacation judge expired on Monday, thereby denying him the jurisdiction to further sit on the case.

    Read Also: Again, Ohanaeze begs FG for Nnamdi Kanu’s release

    He then ordered that the case file be returned to the court’s Registry for the Chief Judge to reassign it to another judge.

    Justice Liman said that he would make a recommendation to the Chief Judge for the speedy hearing of the motion since the health of the applicant is involved.

    In the motion, Kanu claims to be suffering from health challenges that require attention outside the facility of the DSS, in whose custody he is currently being held.

    In a supporting affidavit deposed to by his junior brother, Emmanuel, it was claimed that Kanu recently complained of weakness and pains in his body.

    Emmanuel said Kanu’s complaint “prompted the invitation of a team of doctors, led by the Eminent Emeritus Professor Austin A.C. Agaji, who on September 1, 2025, at about 2:30 pm, told him that several tests were conducted on Kanu in August

    He said the doctor told him, in Kanu’s lawyer’s office, that it was discovered that the IPOB leader was suffering from issues relating to his liver and kidneys, as well as a dangerously low level of potassium.

    Emmanuel added, “He was further diagnosed with a swelling around his armpit area, which requires urgent attention to ascertain the cause and thereafter to seek appropriate medical treatment.”

  • Kanu’s motion seeking transfer to National Hospital for hearing on Friday

    Kanu’s motion seeking transfer to National Hospital for hearing on Friday

    The Federal High Court will today hear a motion filed by the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking an order transferring him to the National Hospital in Abuja for urgent medical attention.

    Justice Musa Liman had granted the motion ex parte, praying for the permission of the court to hear the application during the vacation period due to its urgency.

    Justice Liman, who fixed today for the hearing, ordered Kanu’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), to serve all the processes and the hearing notice on the Department of State Services (DSS) so that the security agency could respond appropriately.

    “I believe that the right to health is as important as the right to life.

    “And so, I agree that this matter can be heard by the vacation court,” Justice Liman, who is also a vacation judge, had said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, in the ex parte motion, had sought the relief.

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    In the motion, dated September 2 but filed on September 3 by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), Kanu sought an order “granting leave for the applicant’s motion dated 1st September, 2025 to be heard before the vacation judge”.

    Giving an 11-ground argument why their request should be granted, Agabi said Kanu is currently standing trial before Justice James Omotosho.

    He said Kanu, on May 19, filed an application praying the court to admit him to bail pending the hearing and determination of the terrorism charge.

    The lawyer averred that the application could not be taken before the annual vacation of the court, hence his continued detention.

    According to him, while awaiting the resumption of the court activities, the applicant’s health took a worrisome decline, necessitating the invitation of doctors to carry out an extensive examination on the applicant.

    Agabi alleged that a letter by the doctors to the Director-General of the DSS, advising the transfer of Kanu, had gone unanswered.

    He said the urgency of the matter had, therefore, necessitated the filing of the instant application as a measure to arrest further decline of his health, while spirited efforts are being expended to ensure his treatment.

    The eminent lawyer added that the grant of the application would not occasion any injustice on the complainant (DSS).

  • Enugu Governor Mbah seeks Kanu’s release

    Enugu Governor Mbah seeks Kanu’s release

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah yesterday reiterated his call for the release of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.

    He said freeing Kanu “was the right thing to do” and that he had met the President over it.

    Mbah spoke during a question-and-answer session after his presentation on “Leadership and transformation” at the Showcase Session of the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu.

    The governor also shared practical strategies he applies in overcoming barriers and unlocking the state’s opportunities.

    Urged by a participant not to give up on his advocacy for Kanu’s release, the governor said, “My first visit to the President was about Nnamdi Kanu.

    “I believe that the right thing to do is to release him. Hopefully, that will be done soon.”

    Mbah said the sit-at-home observed in the Southeast every Monday over Kanu’s detention was a thing of the past in his state.

    His words: “We met a situation where people were compelled to stay at home every Monday.

    “Now, people trade in Ogbete and other markets in peace on Mondays.

    “Monday sit-at-home has ended in Enugu, as you (lawyers) can see. You can also move around and investigate.”

    Kanu is on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism charges, which he denied.

    In his presentation, Mbah said transformational leadership demanded the audacity to envision something beyond low expectations.

    He said such leaders must ground their work in vision, values, and a disruptive strategy to achieve desired results.

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

    “Our vision was to grow Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, to reduce the poverty headcount to zero, and to make Enugu the preferred destination in Nigeria for business, for tourism, and for living.

    “We imagined a state that, within eight years, would be completely unrecognisable from the one we inherited,” the governor said.

    He explained that such vision and targets could not be wished into existence, hence the state’s huge investments in drastic crime reduction and the building of infrastructure to power business, tourism, and investment.

    “None of our visions and targets would have been possible without security.

    “So, from the outset, we built a tech-driven, intelligence-led security architecture anchored in our Command and Control Centre.

    “With round-the-clock AI surveillance across our neighbourhoods, integrated response units (DRS), and community partnership, Enugu has recorded an over 80 per cent reduction in violent crime.

    “This stability is the bedrock upon which investment, jobs, and society can grow.”

    He added that his administration had to its credit over 2,000 ongoing or completed projects cutting across various sectors – health, roads, transport, agriculture, and education, among others.

    He said his administration’s consistent allocation of 33 per cent of the state’s annual budget to education was informed by the recognition that the state’s real wealth now and in the future rested on the quality of its human capital.

    “We committed over 33 per cent of our budget to education – a decision some thought was reckless. But we knew it was essential.”

  • Ex- lawmaker pleads for Kanu’s release

    Ex- lawmaker pleads for Kanu’s release

    Former lawmaker in Lagos State, Jude Idimogu, has pleaded for clemency, begging President Bola Tinubu to pardon Leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Idimogu told reporters that he was not after who is wrong or right, but the release of Kanu would bring peace to the Southeast and Nigeria.

    The former lawmaker maintained that no individual or group of people can fight the government.

    He added the release of Kanu would make the Igbo extraction of Nigeria happy, and aid aspiration of the President in 2027.

    “It is for for the government, led by Bola Tinubu I am talking about. I am not saying who is right and who is wrong.

    “The President has the power and the right to pardon whoever he wants to pardon.

    “So, I am pleading with Bola Tinubu to kindly pardon Kanu, clemency is just what we want, political solution, let Nigerians, whether from Southeast extraction, Southwest, North, plead with Federal Government, it is not an issue of court.

    “Besides, I think it will help the President’s aspiration in 2027. At least, the Igbo race will be happy…” he said

    Kanu was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2021, brought to Nigeria, and has been in custody facing trial.

    Idimogu, urged well-meaning Nigerians, including Igbo leaders, South-East governors, to speak with one voice 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 South-East in the 2027 general elections.

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    The ex-lawmaker said: “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 Igbo extraction, to help plead with Mr President to use his good office to release Nnamdi Kanu.

    “If this is done, I believe the insecurity situation and tension in the South- East will reduce if not completely curbed and eradicated.”

    According to him, a lot of miscreants have been using Nnamdi Kanu ‘s name to cause mayhem and atrocities in the region.

    Idimogu, the deputy leader of Ndigbo in the Lagos APC, stated that the release of Kanu has numerous advantages for both the South-East and Nigeria.

    He said that it would de-escalate the tension and revive the region’s economy.

    “Mr President, kindly look at the South-East 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 South-East to the economy.

    “South-East used to be home to a lot of people before now, it has just suddenly changed to be 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 South-East, grand Kanu freedom to stabilise our region,” Idimogu stated.

    He added that releasing Kanu would also help the ruling APC in the South-East as the nation approaches the 2027 general elections.

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

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

    Alleged terrorism: ‘Let Kanu provide defence for 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 less than 170 security officials.

    Awomolo, while adopting the prosecution’s address in a 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.

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    He noted the prosecution called five witnesses and tendered many exhibits, including video and audio videmce, 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.

    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 not less than 170 security men were killed because of his boasting. 

    “Why was he boasting? Boasting is not the answer. If the defendant believe 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 tha 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 the 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 END SARS 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 invcited 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 can not 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.

  • FG ready to negotiate Nnamdi Kanu’s release – Umahi

    FG ready to negotiate Nnamdi Kanu’s release – Umahi

    • Says Southeast ‘ll work for Tinubu’s re-election

    Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi has said that the Federal Government is open to negotiating the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    Umahi disclosed  on Friday night while addressing journalists in Lagos.

    He, however, cautioned that the gesture  should not be interpreted as a condition for political support.

    “Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.

    He said: “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there.”

    While applauding the President for his performance in office so far, Umahi described Tinubu as a “listening leader” expressing the hope that Kanu’s release would eventually come through “divine grace and dialogue,” not pressure or political demands.

    Umahi said “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms.That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

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    The former Ebonyi State governor assured that  the Southeast geopolitical zone is fully behind Tinubu and will support his re-election in 2027.

    While highlighting ongoing federal projects in the region, Umahi challenged those criticising the President  to “show us what they have done for the country.”

    He went on to dismiss claims that the Southeast is being marginalised in federal appointments, stating emphatically that Tinubu has done more for the region than many past leaders.

    The minister  called on political leaders in the Southeast to unite across party lines, noting that even opposition governors in the region were collaborating well with the President.

    Umahi ruled out any plans to contest for the presidency in 2027, saying “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt.”

  • Kenya verdict: IPOB seeks review of Kanu’s trial

    Kenya verdict: IPOB seeks review of Kanu’s trial

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged the Federal Government to review the ongoing terrorism trial of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The call follows the judgment by the High Court of Kenya, which found that his arrest and transfer from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021 breached international legal norms and constitutional protections.

    Delivering judgment on June 24, 2025, Justice E.C. Mwita held that the actions leading to Kanu’s transfer amounted to a breach of both Kenyan and international law.

    The court awarded Kanu compensatory damages of 10 million Kenyan shillings for what it described as a gross violation of his rights.

    Justice Mwita faulted the conduct of both governments, stating that the process of rendition lacked due legal process and failed to adhere to constitutional safeguards.

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    IPOB, in a statement by its Director of Legal Affairs, Research and Global Communications, Onyedikachi Ifedi, praised the Kenyan court’s ruling as a significant development in what it described as a legal process that deserves fresh scrutiny.

    The group said the Kenyan court found that the events surrounding Kanu’s return to Nigeria did not follow due legal procedure, including the absence of a formal extradition hearing, arguing that this raises questions about the jurisdictional foundation of Kanu’s trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

    It referenced Section 2(3)(f)(ii) of Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which includes that under certain conditions, unlawful cross-border transfers in violation of treaties as serious offences.

    The group also argued that Nigerian courts should take the Kenyan ruling into account as they assess the broader legal implications of the case.

    IPOB pointed to Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which stipulates that no person legally residing in a country may be expelled except through a process consistent with the law.

    The group urged Justice James Omotosho, who is currently presiding over Kanu’s trial in Abuja, to invite submissions from both parties regarding the impact of the Kenyan judgment on the ongoing proceedings.

    “This is not about political considerations but about upholding constitutional safeguards and respecting international legal obligations,” the statement said.

    The Kenyan government had filed an affidavit stating that there was no immigration record of Kanu’s departure from Kenya after his last arrival on May 1, 2021.

    In the Affidavit by the Attorney-General of Kenya and deposed to in Nairobi, Kenya on 10th February 2022, the Government of Kenya attached Kanu’s arrival and departure record from Kenya from 17th July 2019 to 12th May 2022, when he last entered Kenya.

    Paragraph 12 of the Affidavit states: “That it is evident from the schedule below that since 17/7/2019, the said Nwannekaenyi Nnamdi Kenny Okwu-Kanu has visited and departed Kenya on several occasions.

    “That from the above travel history, it is evident that his last arrival date was 12/5/2021 and there is no evidence exhibited to prove that he thereafter left the country.

    “That I am not privy to his (Kanu’s) arrest, detention or extradition.”