Court convicts Kanu of terrorism offence
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for engaging in acts of terrorism.
In the judgement delivered on Thursday, the court found Kanu guilty on counts one and two of the seven-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s repeated threats of violence, killings, and his declarations of sit-at-home orders across South-East states in various broadcasts amounted to acts of terrorism.
The court has now proceeded to address count three in the case.
READ ALSO: Judge orders Kanu out of court over unruly behaviour
The Federal Government alleged that Nnamdi Kanu used various broadcasts to issue threats across the country, warning that anyone who disobeyed the sit-at-home order in the Southeast would face dire consequences.
Prosecutors claimed these directives amounted to incitement of insurrection against the Nigerian state.
They further told the court that Kanu’s orders forced widespread shutdowns across the region, with banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and petrol stations remaining closed every Monday.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s fate to be decided November 20 as court reserves judgment
Kanu denied all allegations during his initial 2015 arraignment, but the case was restarted in 2025 before Justice James Omotosho.
Court’s Position
Justice Omotosho ruled that, with Kanu’s defence closed for failing to present evidence, the court would rely entirely on the prosecution’s submissions and supporting affidavits.
He noted that anyone found guilty of terrorism under Nigerian law is liable to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
