The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on Counts One, Two, and Three of the terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, marks a decisive moment in a case that has stretched for years and drawn widespread national and international interest.
According to multiple reports, the court upheld the prosecution’s claim that Kanu used a broadcast to threaten violence against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Justice Omotosho summarised the first count as the act of “committing terrorism by making a broadcast threatening that people will die and the world will be at a standstill.”
He ruled that the evidence presented clearly showed Kanu instigated actions capable of terrorising the public. The judge added that Kanu “knew what he was doing” and was intent on carrying out the threats he issued, without regard for the consequences on his followers or the wider society.
The court also held that Kanu failed to counter or explain the allegations, saying the prosecution’s evidence stood unchallenged.
At exactly 1:02 pm, Justice Omotosho pointed to material evidence showing that Kanu ordered the controversial sit-at-home directive in the South-East, a mandate that had led to economic disruption and widespread fear across the region. The judge stated that this directive further supported the claim that Kanu’s orders were preparatory acts of terrorism.
Count Two centered on the allegation that Kanu issued a deadly warning that anyone who disobeyed the sit-at-home order would be killed.
Count Three affirmed that Kanu professed himself to be a member and leader of IPOB.
The ruling represents a significant legal setback for Kanu as the broader case continues to unfold.
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