A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first count of seven terrorism charges brought against him.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the trial. In his ruling, the judge referenced evidence presented by the prosecution, including video interviews in which Kanu made multiple violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens.
The first count pertains to a broadcast Kanu made in September 2021, which prosecutors allege was “with intent to intimidate the population.” During the broadcast, Kanu reportedly threatened that “people would die” and that “the whole world would standstill.”
The prosecution classified this broadcast as an act of terrorism under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015.
While reviewing the evidence, Justice Omotosho cited video recordings submitted by the prosecution, noting that Kanu issued violent threats that demonstrated a clear intent.
“His intention was quite clear as he believed in violence. These threats of violence were nothing but terrorist acts, which were duly carried out by his followers. He was consumed by violence and didn’t mind if his own people died in the process. It is clear that the defendant carried out preparatory acts of terrorism,” the judge stated.
The court also observed that Kanu repeatedly declined opportunities to provide context for his broadcasts.
“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted with respect to count one,” Omotosho declared.
The court is continuing to deliver judgment on the remaining six counts against Kanu.
More to come…
