Cynthia Ezegwu
The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the no-case submission filed by the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in his ongoing terrorism trial.
In a ruling on Friday, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against Kanu, sufficient to require him to enter his defence. The judge noted that evidence presented by the prosecution, alongside exhibits tendered in court, raised weighty allegations linking Kanu to acts of terrorism.
The court further ruled that Kanu must be afforded his constitutional right to fair hearing, including the opportunity to rebut the allegations and lead evidence in support of his claims of extraordinary rendition.
Kanu, who is facing a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS).
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Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho also directed the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to constitute a team of between eight and ten medical experts to assess Kanu’s health condition and determine his fitness to stand trial.
The order followed an application by Kanu seeking transfer to a private ward at the National Hospital, Abuja, for urgent medical attention over an alleged life-threatening illness. The court said the medical panel’s findings would guide its decision on whether Kanu can continue with the trial.