October 10 D-Day: Court to Decide If Nnamdi Kanu Walks or Faces Full Terror Trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled October 10, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, who faces terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government, is seeking the dismissal of the case, insisting that the prosecution has failed to establish a prima facie case.

According to iReporter Online, the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, will determine whether to uphold Kanu’s submission and dismiss the charges or order him to open his defence. During the proceedings on Friday, government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) argued strongly against the application. He claimed that the state had presented compelling evidence—including video and audio recordings—linking Kanu to incitements that allegedly triggered violence, property destruction, and the deaths of over 170 security officers.

Awomolo maintained that the Federal Government had fulfilled its obligation by calling five witnesses and presenting documentary exhibits, which he said clearly demonstrated the elements of the crimes Kanu is accused of. “The court must take a panoramic view of the evidence laid before it,” he urged, requesting that the defendant be compelled to enter his defence.

However, Kanu’s lead counsel, Godwin Agabi (SAN), countered the government’s claims, insisting that what had been presented amounted to nothing more than character defamation. “The entire case is built on portraying the defendant as a bad man,” Agabi said, arguing that no witness had testified to being incited by Kanu’s words or actions.

He defended Kanu’s statements as political bravado, noting, “He said he could bring the world to a standstill. That’s just boasting. Boasting is not a crime.” Agabi further questioned the selective interpretation of Kanu’s statements, drawing comparisons to remarks made by other national figures, including the Director General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, and former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, who at different times encouraged Nigerians to defend themselves.

According to iReporter Online, Agabi maintained that urging people to engage in self-defense cannot be deemed a criminal act unless similar statements made by others are treated equally. “If calling for self-defense is a crime, then many more should be facing trial,” he said.

As the nation awaits the court’s October ruling, the trial of Nnamdi Kanu continues to stir national debate, drawing sharp lines between accusations of terrorism and assertions of political persecution. The outcome of this submission will likely set the tone for the next phase of what has become one of the country’s most polarizing legal battles.