The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, holding that Kanu’s actions, both through broadcasts and directives, constituted terrorism under Nigerian law. Kanu did not enter a defence, and the court ruled in his absence following his repeated “unruly behaviour” in the courtroom.
Count One: Kanu allegedly broadcast on Radio Biafra from London in 2014 and 2015, preparing secessionist activities in South-East, South-South, Kogi, and Benue states with the intent to establish the “Republic of Biafra.”
Count Two: On April 28, 2015, Kanu reportedly referred to President Muhammadu Buhari as a “paedophile, terrorist, idiot and embodiment of evil” on Radio Biafra, knowing the statements to be false.
Count Three: Kanu allegedly imported and kept a radio transmitter (TRAM 50L) into Nigeria under false declaration, concealing it among household items in Anambra State.
Count Four: Between 2018 and 2021, Kanu broadcast as a member and leader of IPOB, a proscribed organisation, committing offences under the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.
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Count Five: On April 22, 2021, Kanu allegedly incited IPOB members to target security personnel and their families through Radio Biafra broadcasts.
Count Six: On May 16, 2021, he reportedly broadcast threats that “what will happen will shake the world” within two weeks, creating fear and promoting violence.
Count Seven: On May 31, 2021, Kanu issued a “sit-at-home” order across the South-East, warning defaulters to “write his/her will,” which grounded businesses, schools, markets, and vehicular movement.
The court concluded that these acts collectively amounted to terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Kanu was found guilty on all counts despite pleading not guilty.