The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday delivered judgment in the terrorism trial of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, convicting him on several counts of terrorism and related offences.
Presiding judge Justice James Omotosho ruled that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives, including threats of violence, sit-at-home orders in the South-East, and calls to attack foreign missions, constituted acts of terrorism.
The court described him as an “international terrorist,” citing evidence that he threatened to bomb the British High Commission and kill then-High Commissioner Catriona Laing, as well as ordering attacks on the American Embassy.
The Federal Government was represented by Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, while Kanu chose to represent himself. Proceedings were marked by repeated disruptions, with the judge ordering Kanu’s removal from the courtroom after he refused to comply with instructions and insisted on filing additional motions.
Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu deliberately refused to enter his defence or call witnesses, despite being given multiple opportunities. “On the defendant not entering his defence, I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action,” the judge said.
The court convicted Kanu sequentially on Counts One through Seven, including:
- Count One: Making broadcasts threatening mass deaths and global disruption, classified as preparatory acts of terrorism.
- Counts Two–Five: Issuing violent threats, declaring sit-at-home orders, and inciting killings in the South-East.
- Count Six: Extending threats internationally, including calls to attack the U.S. Embassy.
- Count Seven: Plans to bomb the British High Commission and assassinate its envoy.
At 2:13 p.m., Justice Omotosho emphasized that Nigeria remains an indivisible state, declaring: “Anyone agitating for a break up of Nigeria is breaking the law. The defendant is using terrorism as a weapon to bring secession to Nigeria.”
Earlier in the day, Kanu had sought bail under Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), arguing that the charges lacked legal basis. Awomolo opposed the application, urging the court to dismiss it for lacking merit. Justice Omotosho subsequently rejected the bail request, citing Section 306 of the ACJA, which prohibits a stay of proceedings in criminal trials.
The judgment, broadcast live on national television, has drawn significant public attention, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies warning that unruly conduct in court and threats of violence undermine national security and the sanctity of judicial proceedings.
