Justice James Omotoso of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, the judge held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment.
In his ruling, Justice Omotoso found Kanu guilty of terrorism acts, leadership of a proscribed group, the incitement of violence, and making inflammatory broadcasts—particularly during the period of the EndSARS protest—among other offences.
Count One:
Kanu was accused of broadcasts made in 2014 and 2015 from London, where he allegedly encouraged the secession of South-East and South-South states, as well as parts of Kogi and Benue, to form a Republic of Biafra—contrary to Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code.
Count Two:
He was charged for a 2015 broadcast in which he made defamatory and false statements against then-President Muhammadu Buhari, in violation of Section 375 of the Criminal Code.
Count Three:
The government alleged that Kanu unlawfully imported a TRAM 50L radio transmitter into Nigeria in 2015, concealed in a container of used household items—an offence under Section 47(2) of the Criminal Code.
Count Four:
Between 2018 and 2021, Kanu allegedly admitted through broadcasts to being a member of IPOB, a proscribed organisation, which is punishable under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act.
Count Five:
He was found guilty of inciting IPOB members in an April 2021 broadcast to target security officials and their families, an offence under Section 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.
Count Six:
The judge held that Kanu committed an act linked to terrorism through a May 2021 broadcast in which he made threats that were deemed capable of causing widespread fear and unrest—contrary to Section 1(2)(b) of the Act.
Count Seven:
Kanu was convicted for issuing a May 2021 sit-at-home directive accompanied by a threat warning that violators should “write their wills,” which resulted in widespread shutdowns of businesses and public activity across the region.
