The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the biafra/">Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must enter his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial.
Justice Inyang Ekwo Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, saying the prosecution presented enough evidence and exhibits to sustain the charges.
“The evidence led by the prosecution and the exhibits tendered have raised serious allegations of the defendant’s involvement in terrorist activities,” he ruled.
He said Kanu must also be allowed to defend his claim of extraordinary rendition, which the IPOB leader insists violated his fundamental rights.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), looked frail in court on Thursday, with a somewhat calmer demeanour.
The court turned down his request to be moved to a private ward at the National Hospital. Instead, Justice Omotosho directed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) president to appoint 8–10 doctors to assess his fitness to stand trial.
“The defendant must be given fair hearing, and it is necessary that his medical condition be thoroughly examined,” the judge added. The case has been adjourned until October 8 for hearing of the NMA’s report.
Growing Political Pressure
Kanu’s detention has continued to stir political agitation in the South East. Abia State Governor Alex Otti revealed that regional governors are engaging the Federal Government on the matter.
“The information and assurances are not for public consumption. As his governor, I am in the forefront of ensuring that he comes back. The South East governors are also involved. So, we are discussing,” Otti told journalists in Umuahia.
Kanu’s case is one of Nigeria’s most controversial in history. Those opposed to his freedom point to the implications for national security and political stability, while those in support say he is a victim of ethnic prejudice, standing trial for terrorism in a country with countless acts of terror.
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