Court convicts Nnamdi Kanu on first count of terrorism

A federal high court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first count out of seven terrorism charges preferred against him.

In his judgment on Thursday, James Omotosho, presiding judge, referenced evidence adduced by the prosecution including video interviews showing Kanu making several violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens.

The first count accuses Kanu of making a September 2021 broadcast “with intent to intimidate the population”, allegedly threatening that “people would die” and that “the whole world would standstill”.

The prosecution described the broadcast as an act of terrorism under section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2015.

While analysing the evidence, Omotosho referenced video recordings tendered by the prosecution in which Kanu issued violent threats, saying the materials demonstrated a clear intent.

“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. He was consumed by violence and didn’t mind if his own people died in the process. It is clear that the defendant carried out preparatory acts of terrorism,” the judge said.

He noted that Kanu repeatedly refused opportunities to explain the context of the broadcasts.

“Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted with respect to count one,” Omotosho said.

The court is still delivering judgment on the remaining charges.