Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB.

Federal High Court to decide on IPOB leader’s no-case submission on 26 September

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed a fresh date to rule on a “no-case submission” filed by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mr Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges, has been in detention since June 2021 when he was brought back from Kenya under controversial circumstances.

Fresh date for ruling

“The scheduled ruling on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission has been abridged from 10th October 2025 to Friday, 26th September 2025,” Mr Ejimakor wrote on X, uploading a copy of the court notice dated 22 September and signed by the court registrar.

Background of the case

• First arrest: Mr Kanu was first arrested in 2015 under then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
• Extraordinary rendition: In October 2022, the Court of Appeal ruled that Mr Kanu was unlawfully renditioned to Nigeria, struck out terrorism charges and ordered his release.
• Supreme Court decision: In December 2023, the Supreme Court reversed the acquittal and ordered continuation of the trial.
• Prosecution closes case: By June 2025, the Nigerian government closed its case after five witnesses testified.

Rather than open his defense, Mr. Kanu filed a no-case submission, arguing the evidence failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

Arguments from both sides

During the July hearing, prosecution lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and compel Mr Kanu to open his defence, saying the prosecution had led enough evidence.

Defence lawyer Kanu Agabi (SAN) countered that the prosecution failed to prove any of the terrorism charges and that no evidence showed anyone acted on Mr Kanu’s alleged broadcasts via Radio Biafra.

The trial judge, James Omotosho, will now deliver the ruling on 26 September.