A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on three of the seven terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Presiding Judge James Omotosho cited multiple pieces of prosecution evidence, including video recordings of Kanu making threats against Nigeria and its citizens. The court found him guilty on counts related to broadcasting messages that incited violence and killings in furtherance of his separatist agenda.
“The threats and directives given, including sit-at-home orders in the South-East states, constitute acts of terrorism under Nigerian law,” the judge stated.
In addition to the sit-at-home enforcement, Kanu was found guilty on counts linked to incitement of violence during the #EndSARS protests, which resulted in the deaths of security personnel and the destruction of government property in Lagos.
Justice Omotosho dismissed claims by Kanu that he was denied a fair hearing, noting that due process was followed throughout the trial.
Under Nigerian law, convictions for the terrorism offences in question carry a maximum penalty of death. The judge emphasised that Kanu’s actions, including statements declaring the “Army of Nigeria will die” and calls for the “perishing” of Nigeria in Biafra, were unconstitutional and subversive.
“This is an unconstitutional act that is subversive, a notorious act where people in the South East are made to sit at home, everywhere is deserted, even the farmlands,” Justice Omotosho said.
The ruling marks a significant development in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address violent separatist agitation in Nigeria’s South-East region. Security agencies are expected to tighten operations to prevent escalation following the verdict.
More updates are expected as the court may issue sentencing directives and as legal counsel for the defendant considers further appeals.
