The Federal Government has formally closed its case in the ongoing terrorism and treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following the conclusion of witness testimony.

Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who is representing the government, made the announcement on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

This development came after the fifth prosecution witness (PW-5), identified only as EEE for security reasons, gave testimony and was cross-examined by Onyechi Ikpeazu, Kanu’s defence counsel.

Awomolo told the court that the prosecution was satisfied with the volume and strength of evidence already presented in the trial.

“I therefore close the case,” he declared.

He noted that the government had presented five witnesses and submitted relevant exhibits, including recordings of broadcasts allegedly made by Kanu.

Awomolo said the evidence provided, especially the broadcast materials, was sufficient to establish the government’s position:

“The prosecution was satisfied with the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB.”

In response, Chief Kanu Agabi, the lead counsel for the defence, informed the court of their intention to file a no-case submission.

“They would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course,” he told the judge.

A court sitting in Makurdi, Benue State, has ordered the release of several individuals arrested during the recent #EndBenueKillings protests, dismissing all charges against them as baseless and unjust.

The peaceful protesters had taken to the streets to demand justice over the gruesome killings in Yelewata and other parts of Benue State.

Their arrests sparked outrage nationwide, with human rights groups and activists condemning the detentions as unlawful and politically motivated.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, the presiding judge affirmed that the protesters were simply exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right.

“The protesters were merely exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” the judge declared.

The court further stated that their conduct did not constitute any criminal offence. It subsequently granted them bail and struck out all charges.

“Their actions did not amount to any criminal offence,” the court ruled.

While not all detainees have been released yet, the judgment has been received with relief and celebration by supporters of the #EndBenueKillings movement.

Outside the courthouse, jubilant scenes unfolded as families, friends, and fellow activists welcomed the verdict, describing it as a victory for justice and civil rights.

“Celebrations erupted outside the courtroom following the announcement, as families, friends, and fellow activists hailed the decision as a step toward justice and accountability.”

The legal defense was championed by Lawyers Alert Nigeria, a human rights organisation that provided pro bono legal representation for the protesters.

The lead counsel, Barrister Victor Eboh, and his team received widespread commendation for their swift and unwavering efforts.

> “The legal team, led by Barrister Victor Eboh, received praise for its dedication and swift action in securing the ruling.”

However, despite the court’s decision, there has been no official compensation or apology offered to the protesters for their wrongful arrest and detention.

“Despite the legal victory, no compensation or apology has been offered to the protesters for their arrest and detention.”

Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Paul Enenche, has declined a ₦30 million donation offered by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, during a church event held in the state.

The donation was publicly announced during the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade by the state’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero.

Addressing the congregation, Aliero said:

“Our Governor, His Excellency Dr Nasir Idris, has graciously approved the donation of the sum of 30 million naira to this gathering.”

However, when Pastor Enenche mounted the stage, he politely turned down the offer, urging that the money be redirected to charitable causes.

“If there is anything like orphanage, if there is anything like that, at your discretion, please apply this amount of money to it. No. It will not be received,” he declared.

Explaining the rationale behind his decision, the pastor emphasized that public funds should be used strictly for government responsibilities, not church-related initiatives.

“We are one of those who believe that government money should be used for government projects and government things should be used for government things; and church money should be used for church things, not mixed together,” Enenche said.

“That is what we did, that is what we do. As small as the Glory Dome is right there, government money is not in it. From land to the building to everything.”

He further recommended that if the state still wished to make a donation in a religious context, it should go through officially recognized Christian institutions.

“This is so that we can retain our dignity as a body of Christ; retain our dignity as a church, and say what we need to say when we need to say it.”

Reacting to the rejection, Commissioner Aliero expressed understanding and appreciation for Enenche’s stance.

“They didn’t accept it because whatever he is doing, he is doing it for the sake of God. We appreciate and we thank him for what he is doing in our state,” he said.

The South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO), a non-governmental organisation, has strongly condemned recent killings in Aguamede, Eha-Amufu community in Enugu State and Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing them as “unprovoked” and calling for urgent and decisive action from authorities.

In a statement titled “Enough is Enough”, released on Thursday in Enugu, SSDO’s Executive Director, Dr Stanley Ilechukwu, said the horrifying incidents represent not only acts of mass violence but also “grave violations of fundamental human rights.”

Dr Ilechukwu expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation in the Middle Belt and South-East regions, which he said has been allowed to deteriorate for too long.

“On Sunday, June 15, the quiet community of Aguamede, Eha-Amufu, in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State, was thrown into mourning,” he stated.

“Armed assailants, suspected to be herdsmen, invaded the community in the late afternoon while some residents were still in church, and began a cold and calculated massacre.”

He added, “By the time the village stirred in panic, more than 10 people had been slaughtered in their homes, their skulls split open. This tragedy comes only a week after a similar attack in nearby Mbuji community claimed four lives.”

Highlighting the history of violence in the region, Ilechukwu noted, “For over eight years, communities in Eha-Amufu and Ikem have cried out enduring attacks, displacement, and trauma, with their pain often overlooked because it is rural, it is quiet and it is far from the newspaper headlines.”

The statement also described the horrific attack in Yelewata, Benue State, which occurred on June 13.

According to SSDO, over 200 people were killed in the night assault, with entire families burned alive.

One father reportedly lost 20 members of his household, including children and pregnant women.

Dr Ilechukwu emphasized that these killings were not random but rather deliberate, following repeated threats.

“These are not isolated incidents, but part of a long-standing and painful crisis in Middle Belt and South-East regions,” he said.

In response to these tragedies, SSDO issued a set of demands directed at the Federal Government, the governments of Enugu and Benue states, the National Assembly, and the security agencies.

These include:

– Strengthening of rural security systems and increased, sustained joint patrols by the military and police in vulnerable communities.

– Structured support for local vigilante groups, including formal training and legal recognition in line with state laws.

– Full enforcement and scaling up of grazing and land-use laws, with support for the anti-open grazing laws of Enugu and Benue States.

– Promotion of peaceful livestock management alternatives like ranching, with federal investment in alternative livelihoods for nomadic populations.

He further called for establishing dialogue platforms to facilitate peace and reconciliation between herders and farmers, involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth, and women in hotspot areas.

SSDO also advocated for the creation of a Rural Crisis Recovery and Support Fund to assist families affected by the violence.

The fund, the organisation proposed, would provide burial assistance, trauma support, home rebuilding aid, and help to restore farmlands.

Lastly, Ilechukwu urged the Federal Government to launch a National Early Warning and Response System, building upon existing structures to digitally track security threats, respond quickly to local intelligence, and prevent future tragedies.

“Let this be the moment our nation chooses compassion, protection, and justice, not just for those in the cities, but for every mother in Aguamede Eha-Amufu, every father in Yelewata, and every child still afraid to return home,” the statement concluded.