Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Charges

T The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government.



In a landmark judgment delivered on Thursday, Justice James Omotoso held that the prosecution had “successfully established the seven-count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.”



The judge, while reading portions of the judgment, issued a stern assessment of the defendant’s actions and their impact on the public. Quoting from the ruling, Justice Omotoso stated “Even on such days, the threat of violence and death have prevented these people from going about their legitimate businesses. Are these acts of the defendant consistent with the agitation for self-determination? The answer is in the negative once again. The defendant was not elected by anybody, and also cannot detest for the people of Sartis, especially through intimidation and threats of violence. He is a terrorist. He must be treated as such.”



Justice Omotoso further emphasized that Kanu’s broadcasts incited followers to carry out violent attacks, resulting in the killing of security personnel and destruction of public infrastructure, including police stations.



Concluding the judgment, the judge declared: “In final analysis, the prosecution has successfully established the seven-count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted on all the seven counts. By the time in the next 30 minutes I go to chambers, anybody is free to come and get a certified copy of the judgment.”



During post-judgment formalities, the prosecution also addressed the court, restating the gravity of the case: “It is Federal Republic of Nigeria versus Nnamdi Kanu. The 200 million people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have brought Nnamdi Kanu before this court for acts of terrorism… This afternoon, this Honourable Court delivered its judgment in which the convict, named Kanu, was found guilty and convicted of offences under the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act.”



Sentencing is expected to follow in a subsequent court session.