The Federal Government on June 19, 2025 closed its case against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
This was pronounced by the Federal High Court, Abuja which granted the defense fourteen days to file its written address on a no-case submission and fourteen days to the prosecution to respond. The Court then adjourned to July 18, 2025.
Kanu has been held in detention since 2021.
According to SaharaReporters, the prosecuting counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), announced the closure of the prosecution’s case after the fifth witness (Prosecution Witness 5, or PW5) completed their testimony.
Following the prosecution’s move, lead defence counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) informed the court that the defence team intends to file a no-case submission, arguing that the prosecution has not established a prima facie case warranting the defendant to enter a defence.
Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Kanu, confirmed that the court granted the defence fourteen days to file its written address on the no-case submission. The prosecution will then have an additional fourt days to file its response.
Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the trial, adjourned the matter to July 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
“Today, the Federal Republic of Nigeria CLOSED its case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The Court granted the defence 14 days to file its written address on a no-case submission, and 14 days to the prosecution to respond. The Court then adjourned to 18th July. Thank you for your support,” Ejimakor wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts shortly after the hearing.
The case against Kanu has drawn significant public attention, with the prosecution alleging that his speeches and activities have incited violence and fueled separatist sentiments in Nigeria’s South Eastern region.
His prolonged detention and trial have sparked national and international controversy, with human rights advocates and supporters accusing the Nigerian government of stifling dissent and violating due process. Many have called for Kanu’s unconditional release, citing concerns over human rights and political repression.
The outcome of the case is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only for Kanu personally but also for the broader Biafran separatist movement and Nigeria’s approach to political dissent.
