Nnamdi Kanu convicted of terrorism charges
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism charges brought against him by the federal government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had successfully established its case on the first count, which centers on a September 2021 broadcast in which Kanu allegedly issued violent threats intended to intimidate the public.
Prosecutors argued that the broadcast amounted to a terrorist act as defined under Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015. They presented multiple video clips of Kanu issuing threats, including statements suggesting that “people would die” and that “the whole world would stand still.”
According to Justice Omotosho, the recordings clearly showed Kanu’s advocacy of violence and the potential consequences of such statements. He described the threats as “preparatory acts of terrorism,” adding that Kanu showed no concern even if supporters lost their lives as a result of his directives.
“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,” the judge said. He also noted that Kanu declined several opportunities to provide context or justification for his remarks.
