An Abuja court has dismissed the no-case submission filed by the lawyers for Nnamdi Kanu. The IPOB leader must now begin his defence against the Federal Government’s charges.
Court Orders Kanu to Enter Defence
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected the application from Kanu’s legal team. This ruling came after the Federal Government presented its witnesses, evidence, and officially closed its case against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Following the decision, the judge ordered Kanu to open his defence.
The detained IPOB leader had arrived at the Federal High Court for the final ruling on his application earlier on Friday. Department of State Services (DSS) operatives brought Kanu to court. He was accompanied by his legal team, which includes former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Kanu G. Agabi (SAN).
Earlier Court Moves
The court had moved the ruling date for Kanu’s application forward. The trial date was originally set for October 10. Justice Omotosho brought it forward to Friday, September 26. The original trial for terrorism charges was expected to resume on the October date.
Previous Health Application
Earlier in September, a different judge handled a separate application. Kanu’s lawyers sought his transfer to the National Hospital for urgent medical care. They stated their client has a severe heart condition. The legal team argued that the current medical facilities available to him were not good enough.
Justice Musa Liman had been the vacation judge hearing the application. He had to adjourn the matter because the judges’ vacation, and thus his temporary tenure, was ending. The Federal High Court judges’ vacation ended the same day.
Emmanuel Kanu, Nnamdi Kanu’s younger brother, had provided an affidavit detailing his brother’s life-threatening heart condition.
During the hearing, Kanu’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku (SAN), told the court he needed more time. He said the Federal Government’s lawyers had only served a lengthy counter-affidavit that very morning.
Justice Liman noted the matter’s urgency. He stressed that the health concerns were serious, even life-or-death. He directed that the case be sent back to the Central Registrar. The case was then transferred to Justice James Omotosho.
