(UPDATED) BREAKING: Federal High Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Terrorism Charges

BREAKING: Federal High Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Terrorism Charges

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Delivering the landmark judgment, the court held that Kanu’s refusal to open his defence within the six-day window given to him amounted to a forfeiture of his constitutional right to present a defence. The judge noted that Kanu repeatedly disrupted proceedings, prompting security operatives to remove him from the courtroom on several occasions.

The Charges and Prosecution’s Case

The Federal Government’s charges against Kanu include terrorism, incitement, treasonable felony, and the illegal importation of a radio transmitter. Six counts were filed under the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, while the seventh count stems from the Criminal Code Act.

Prosecutors alleged that Kanu incited and coordinated attacks on security personnel and facilities across the South-East, including the burning of police stations and assaults on military checkpoints. He was further accused of instructing IPOB loyalists to manufacture improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for use against security forces.

The Federal Government also presented evidence claiming that Kanu’s regular broadcasts on Radio Biafra fueled violent enforcement of IPOB’s sit-at-home orders, which resulted in killings, arson, destruction of property, and widespread disruption of commercial activities in the region.

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Additionally, he was accused of leveraging the #EndSARS protests to promote nationwide unrest and establishing the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which prosecutors say carried out targeted killings of individuals who violated IPOB-imposed restrictions.

Each of the seven offences carries a maximum sentence of death under Nigerian law.

Earlier Proceedings and Failed Attempts to Stop Judgment

Kanu’s conviction follows years of legal battles and heightened security tensions. Earlier in the month, Justice Omotosho foreclosed his right to present a defence after the IPOB leader refused to call witnesses or address the court, insisting that the charges against him were invalid.

Kanu had filed an emergency application at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt the judgment, arguing that the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act used as the basis of the charges had been repealed. His legal team also challenged the court’s jurisdiction, insisting that the case was built on “non-existent statutory grounds.” Both efforts failed to stop Thursday’s verdict.

Before this, the defence had maintained that Kanu was a victim of an unconstitutional extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021, insisting that he could not be lawfully tried by a Nigerian court until he was returned to the point of abduction.

Political and Regional Implications

Kanu’s conviction is expected to deepen tensions in the South-East, where IPOB’s agitation for Biafra remains strong and where security agencies continue to confront armed groups linked to the separatist movement.

Previous attempts to arraign Kanu had triggered widespread protests, including recent demonstrations in Abuja where security operatives dispersed crowds demanding his release.

The case has also drawn international interest, particularly after the recent conviction of Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland on terrorism-related charges, raising further questions about global dimensions of the separatist struggle.

Next Steps: Awaiting Sentencing

Justice Omotosho has not yet fixed a date for sentencing. Once pronounced, Kanu retains the right to challenge the conviction and any sentence imposed at the appellate court.

Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), where he has been detained since 2021.

(UPDATED) BREAKING: Federal High Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Terrorism Charges