The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned its ruling on the no-case submission filed by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to October 10, 2025.

The adjournment came after heated arguments between the prosecution and defence during Friday’s proceedings before Justice James Omotosho.

The Federal Government’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to dismiss Kanu’s no-case submission and compel him to open his defence on the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him.

Awomolo cited Kanu’s broadcast on Radio Biafra, in which he allegedly declared an intention to dismember Nigeria and establish a sovereign Biafran state. According to the prosecution, the broadcast amounted to a serious threat to national security and incited widespread violence.

 “He made a broadcast declaring himself the IPOB leader, knowing the group had been proscribed. He told the world Nigeria would come to a standstill,” Awomolo said.

He further alleged that Kanu’s words directly led to attacks on security personnel, claiming that over 170 officers were killed following the broadcasts, along with threats to their families.

 “The law prohibits speech that causes fear and disorder. Kanu’s aim was not mere boasting, it was to destabilise Nigeria,” he told the court.

In contrast, Kanu’s lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. He urged the court to discharge and acquit Kanu, noting that no witness testified to being incited to violence by the defendant.

 “The five witnesses called were all DSS operatives who merely obtained statements. No investigation was conducted on those statements, and no direct evidence links Kanu to terrorism,” Agabi said.

He pointed out that the prosecution had amended its charges eight times, yet failed to bring forward any testimony showing Kanu directed or inspired violence.

Agabi maintained that statements attributed to Kanu, such as “bring the world down,” were political rhetoric and constitutionally protected speech, especially when framed as a call for self-defence.

He also criticised Kanu’s alleged prolonged solitary confinement, calling it a violation of international human rights norms.

 “Solitary confinement beyond 15 days amounts to torture. It is unlawful, degrading, and unjustified,” he added.

Agabi drew parallels to statements by public figures like General T.Y. Danjuma (rtd), who have also urged communities to defend themselves, arguing such calls do not amount to incitement under Nigerian law.

After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Omotosho adjourned ruling on the no-case submission to October 10, when the court will determine whether Kanu has a case to answer or should be discharged.

The trial continues to draw national and international attention, particularly in light of growing debates around self-determination, terrorism laws, and free speech in Nigeria.