Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has convicted Nnamdi Kanu on multiple terrorism-related charges after a dramatic session in which the IPOB leader was forcibly removed from the courtroom for repeated interruptions and unruly behaviour.
The court found Kanu guilty of offences including:
- Making incendiary Radio Biafra broadcasts that incited violence and amounted to terrorist acts.
- Belonging to and directing a proscribed terrorist organisation (IPOB/ESN).
- Issuing unlawful orders including sit-at-home directives that constituted terrorist threats and caused economic sabotage.
Key Evidence Presented
A radio transmitter, allegedly smuggled by Kanu into Nigeria concealed in a 20-foot container, was admitted by the court as evidence (Exhibit PWY for the container; Exhibit PWZ for the transmitter).
A DSS officer testified that the ESN operatives followed Kanu’s broadcast instructions.
Audio recordings of Kanu’s broadcasts were tendered, including speeches in which he insulted political figures, threatened violence, and directed sit-at-home orders.
A separate witness said Kanu had admitted to smuggling and using the transmitter.
Evidence was also given that he had encouraged his followers to attack police and soldiers.
The judge overruled all defence objections on jurisdiction, extraordinary rendition, and bail, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt on the surviving counts.
No sentence has been pronounced yet. Nigerian procedure in capital/offence cases usually separates conviction from sentencing (to allow allocutus, mitigation).
A separate date for sentencing is expected to be fixed soon.
The offences carry penalties up to life imprisonment or death.
Kanu’s legal team has indicated an immediate appeal.
Administrator and Writer
