By Maryjane Austine
Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Terrorism Charges
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven counts of terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case, providing “credible, sufficient, and compelling” evidence to prove all allegations against the defendant.
The judge noted that Kanu failed to present a defence, choosing instead to rest his case on the prosecution’s evidence—a legal strategy the court said left it with no alternative but to convict him.
Kanu Found Guilty of Incitement, Killings, and Destruction
In the section of the judgment addressing incitement and violent outcomes, Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s broadcasts directly triggered widespread attacks across the South-East.
According to the court, his directives and inflammatory messages led to the killing of 128 police officers, 37 military personnel, and dozens of other security operatives. The attacks also resulted in the destruction of 164 police stations and nine offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
These findings form the basis of his conviction on counts four and five.
Read More: Nnamdi Kanu Ditches Legal Team, Takes on Trial Solo Amid Sowore’s Courtroom Arrest
Judge Describes Kanu as an “International Terrorist”
While reading the judgment on count six, Justice Omotosho described Kanu as an “international terrorist,” citing evidence that he issued threats to attack the British High Commission, the former UK High Commissioner, and the American Embassy in Nigeria.
The court held that such threats, made in public broadcasts, constitute acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.
Conviction on Counts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and Others
In addition to the violent-incitement counts, the court found Kanu guilty of engaging in acts of terrorism through:
- The declaration and enforcement of sit-at-home orders across the South-East
- Threats of violence in multiple broadcasts
- Mobilising armed groups linked to IPOB/ESN
Justice Omotosho ruled that these actions, captured under counts one and two, fall squarely within the Terrorism Prevention Act.
Watch More:
https://youtu.be/K1mVj1gwgUY?si=oqoIp4mT1-SsuFJS
Prosecution Seeks Maximum Penalty
Following the conviction, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty—death sentence—on the defendant.
Awomolo argued that the severity of the offences and the scale of casualties justify the harshest punishment provided under counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
He also expressed surprise that “rather than show remorse, the defendant has remained unruly throughout the trial.”
Sentencing Still Pending
The court is expected to issue its sentencing decision after completing the full reading of the judgment.
Judgment is still ongoing… More details to follow.