A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first of seven terrorism charges brought against him. In a judgment delivered on Thursday, Presiding Judge James Omotosho cited evidence from the prosecution, including video interviews in which Kanu allegedly made violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens.
The first charge stems from a broadcast made by Kanu in September 2021, in which he purportedly threatened that “people would die” and that “the whole world would standstill,” with the prosecution arguing that this constituted an act of terrorism under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015.
Judge Omotosho emphasized the clear intent behind Kanu’s statements, stating, “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 noted that Kanu’s refusal to contextualize his broadcasts further indicated his alignment with violent actions.
As a result of the findings, Kanu has been convicted on the first count, while the court continues to deliberate on the remaining charges against him.
