The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on count one of the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering the judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the court was satisfied that, Kanu made a series of broadcasts that incited violence and led to killings in various parts of the country.
According to the court, these broadcasts were directly tied to his ongoing separatist campaign for the creation of a sovereign Biafran state.
The judge stated that prosecutors presented “uncontroverted evidence” showing that Kanu’s directives were followed by violent acts carried out by his supporters.
Justice Omotosho added that the defence failed to counter the evidence or provide material capable of discrediting the prosecution’s case.
With the ruling, Kanu has been officially found guilty on the first count of the terrorism-related charges against him, a major turning point in the prolonged legal confrontation between the IPOB leader and the Nigerian government.
Records why he was charged and convicted by the Federal Government showed that, Kanu after alleging that his broadcasts promoted violence, killings, and unrest linked to his separatist activities, was convicted on count one because the court concluded that the prosecution’s evidence showed that, his broadcasts were intended to incite violent actions and was unchallenged and credible.
Thursday’s decision marks a significant legal milestone in a case that has drawn national and international attention, with further proceedings expected as the trial continues on the remaining charges.
