A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first of seven terrorism charges brought against him. The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, comes after prosecutors presented video evidence in which Kanu is seen making violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens.
During the trial, the court reviewed clips showing Kanu’s interviews and broadcasts, which the prosecution argued demonstrated a clear pattern of incitement and separatist agitation. Justice Omotosho cited these materials in his ruling, concluding that they satisfied the elements of the first terrorism count.
Kanu has long denied wrongdoing. His defense team had earlier challenged the trial on grounds that the law under which he was charged had been repealed. Critics and legal experts have also raised questions about the court’s ability to convict under a statute they argue is no longer in force.
In response to the first count’s conviction, the court will now turn to the remaining six charges. The outcome of those could carry even more serious consequences for Kanu and IPOB.
