News
In Court Today: “Nnamdi Kanu’s Threats Mere Boasts, No Evidence of Criminality”
Lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Chief Kanu Agabi, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday that his client’s threats of violence were empty boasts, not actionable offenses.
Addressing Justice James Omotosho while adopting the defense’s no-case submission, Agabi argued that the prosecution failed to prove any elements of the charges against Kanu. He accused the prosecution of merely portraying Kanu as a villain without evidence, noting that no witnesses testified to being incited by Kanu’s broadcasts.
“Kanu was simply boasting when he claimed he could ‘bring the world to a standstill.’ Boasting isn’t a crime, and prosecuting someone for it is unwarranted,” Agabi said.
He pointed to widespread insecurity across Nigeria, asserting that Kanu, like others, was concerned about it. Agabi referenced statements by DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi and former Defense Minister Theophilus Danjuma, who urged self-defense against attacks, arguing that Kanu’s call for people to protect themselves was similar and lawful.
Agabi criticized the prosecution’s evidence, including an unauthenticated #ENDSARS report and death reports submitted without medical experts for cross-examination. He noted that prosecution witnesses frequently responded with “I don’t remember” or “I don’t know” – 80 times, by his count – undermining the case’s credibility. He also highlighted that the prosecution failed to address 10 of the 40 points raised by the defense, arguing that even one unanswered issue warranted acquittal.
On Kanu’s detention, Agabi claimed that over six years of solitary confinement had affected his client’s mental state, violating international standards limiting such confinement to 15 days. He also challenged the legality of IPOB’s proscription, insisting it lacked presidential approval. “If they have proof of the president’s approval, let them produce it,” he said.
Agabi further argued that the court lacked jurisdiction over a charge related to an allegedly illegal imported transmitter, citing a prior Court of Appeal ruling.
In response, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, the prosecuting counsel, urged the court to dismiss the no-case submission and order Kanu to defend himself against terrorism charges. Awomolo argued that the prosecution provided ample evidence, including audio and video clips, to establish a prima facie case. He noted that Kanu admitted leading IPOB, a proscribed group, and making broadcasts inciting violence and destruction, which allegedly led to the deaths of over 170 security personnel.
Awomolo rejected the defense’s claim that Kanu’s broadcasts were mere boasts, arguing that statements causing public fear are illegal. “Boasting about killing security personnel and inciting violence isn’t a joke. Kanu must explain his actions,” he said.
Countering the defense’s claim of prolonged detention, Awomolo clarified that Kanu was arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and had it revoked in 2022 after absconding. He attributed delays in the trial to the defense’s tactics, not the prosecution.
On IPOB’s proscription, Awomolo noted that the matter is before the Supreme Court, making it inappropriate for the trial court to rule on its validity.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to October 10 for a ruling on the no-case submission after hearing both sides.
Of the noble men and women who stood firm for our liberty and freedom from repressive colonial subjugation, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai is the last man standing. Born a hundred years ago in Kano City, Alhaji Yakasai exemplifies a purposeful life, carving out a meaningful legacy despite humble beginnings.
Disturbed by the injustice and maltreatment he witnessed under colonial rule, he chose to join the fight for Nigeria’s liberation. As a young man, Baba Yakasai channelled his energy into the struggle for the emancipation of his people and the rest of the country as a freedom fighter, journalist, and frontline political activist.
His activism led him to join hands with comrades in the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by the visionary radical Mallam Aminu Kano. Through NEPU, Yakasai and his co-travellers launched a massive awakening campaign in Northern Nigeria, igniting the fire for the Independence struggle.
In the aftermath of Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, Yakasai maintained an abiding faith in the country and its development. He played several significant roles, including serving as State Commissioner in Kano under Military Governor Audu Bako and as Special Assistant on National Assembly Liaison to President Shehu Shagari during the Second Republic.
In both youth and old age, Yakasai remains a shining example of commitment to Nigeria. He is a consensus builder who consistently weighs in on the side of national cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and democratic consolidation.
In celebrating Baba Yakasai today, I am not only celebrating the man and his personal achievements, but also a century of dedicated service to freedom and democracy and many years of supporting me and the progressive cause.
I am pleased to join family, friends and associates to celebrate the life and commitment of Alhaji Tanko Yakasai as he turns 100 on December 5.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 4, 2025
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security, saying he feels perfectly safe during his visit to the country. His remarks come amid ongoing reports of insecurity in various parts of Nigeria, making his statement a notable endorsement of the nation’s stability in certain regions.
Johnson made the declaration on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while addressing participants at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, the state capital. He acknowledged having read travel advisories and news reports highlighting security concerns prior to his trip but said his experience has been reassuring.
He said he feels perfectly safe in the country and emphasized that the summit environment and local hospitality contributed to his sense of security. He also asked the audience if they felt safe, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.
During his visit, Johnson commended Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Imo State Government for their development initiatives, particularly efforts to provide 24-hour electricity. He highlighted the potential of Nigeria as a hub for innovation and economic growth, noting the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
While his statements have been welcomed by some as a boost to international confidence in Nigeria, analysts caution that the former prime minister’s experience reflects only a controlled and secure environment within Imo State. Several parts of the country continue to face challenges, including banditry, communal conflicts, and kidnappings.
Nonetheless, Johnson’s visit and remarks are significant, sending a positive message to investors and global observers about Nigeria’s potential for stability and progress. They also underscore the contrast between localized experiences of safety and broader security challenges across the country.
By Emmanuel Iheaka, OWERRI
The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State that his group will be one of the biggest investors in the state.
Dangote gave the assurance at the opening session of the Imo Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri on Thursday.
The renowned Africa’s industrialist urged Uzodimma to indicate his preferred area of investment and forget the rest.
Dangote described the Imo governor as a personal friend of decades and commended him for providing enabling environment for investment.
“We will be one of your biggest investors in Imo. So, please tell me the area to invest and we will invest”, Dangote declared.
He called on entrepreneurs to always invest at home, adding that foreigners cannot drive the economy of any nation more than the nationals.
“What attracts foreign investors is a domestic investor. Africa has about 30 percent of the world’s minerals. We are blessed,” he submitted.
Dangote reiterated that his refinery was set to launch 1.4 million barrels per day capacity, the highest for any single refinery in the world.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI
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