Nnamdi Kanu Found Guilty of Terrorism Charges

The judge is set to issue a verdict on Mr. Kanu following the completion of the current trial. The Federal High Court In Abuja, the court ha...

The judge is set to issue a verdict on Mr. Kanu following the completion of the current trial.

The Federal High CourtIn Abuja, the court has sentenced Nnamdi Kanu, a Biafra activist, for terrorism-related actions and his involvement with the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Judge James Omotosho, who previously removed the IPOB leader from the courtroom due to his disruptive conduct during Thursday's session, determined that the prosecution has established its case with sufficient evidence.

The judge, who has previously found Mr. Kanu guilty on six out of the seven charges brought by the federal government, determined that the prosecution demonstrated all elements of the crimes related to terrorism.

He has found him guilty of committing terrorist acts, issuing unlawful stay-at-home mandates in the Southeast area for many years, inciting others, and instructing individuals on how to construct bombs intended for use against government buildings, as well as being part of a terrorist group.

He stated that the prosecution demonstrated that Mr. Kanu is an individual who delivered multiple inciting broadcasts, threatening the federal government and citizens with death and destruction in pursuit of his objective of Biafra's independence from Nigeria.

"The defendant was aware of his actions while issuing these violent threats. The defendant was also determined to reach his goal through violence and showed no concern for the safety of his own people," the judge stated.

He referenced a video clip showing Mr. Kanu urging violence in Nigeria to achieve Biafra's independence at the Third World Igbo Congress in Los Angeles, United States.

"Many of the attendees were very worried and inquired whether he had thought about the possibility of peaceful discussion, to which the defendant remained firm," Mr. Omotosho stated.

He also referenced Mr. Kanu's call-in programs during the EndSARS demonstrations in October 2020, where he urged participants and audience members to set fire to government buildings, such as the Murtburn police stations, and to attack security personnel and their families.

He stated that the defendant's intent and awareness were conveyed by him and could be inferred from his actions and additional factors.

"His statements carried significant weight," as numerous law enforcement personnel and security officers lost their lives, with several police stations set ablaze in Lagos due to his provocation.

The judge stated that although not every act of destruction could be attributed to Mr. Kanu, "there is no question that the incitement played a role in the killing of security personnel and the damage to police stations."

A total of 128 police officers lost their lives, along with 37 military personnel and 10 other security officials. Additionally, 164 police stations and nine INEC offices were destroyed. "This highlights the severity of the damage resulting from the defendants' provocative statements," he stated.

The judge further stated, "His purpose was evident. The accused harbored a malicious intent to cause chaos among the people and the government of Nigeria."

"He transformed into a tyrant capable of killing whenever he pleased. The defendant must not be permitted to stay within a rational human society," the judge stated.

He further decided that Mr. Kanu could reasonably be characterized as "an international terrorist" due to his order for individuals to target foreign embassies in Nigeria and assassinate the British High Commissioner.

Mr. Omotosho cited parts from various broadcasts by Mr. Kanu, including the one he delivered on Mondays in the Southeast on May 30, 2021.

He declared that Mr. Kanu's stay-at-home directive was against the constitution and constituted nothing short of a terrorist act.

He referenced several broadcasts in which Mr. Kanu urged the public and the Eastern Security Network to take up arms against the federal government and attack security forces.

He also cited parts of a broadcast where Mr. Kanu stated he was part of IPOB. "The evidence presented to this court shows that IPOB is a banned group," the judge mentioned, referencing the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja issued on 18 September 2017, which outlawed IPOB and classified it as a terrorist organization.

He stated that Mr. Kanu, through his broadcasts claiming to be part of IPOB following the group's prohibition, is guilty of being associated with a terrorist organization.

The judge, who highlighted Mr. Kanu's inability to present any defense despite multiple chances provided to him, stated that the prosecution's evidence against him was not disputed.

The judge has not yet announced the verdict while continuing to go through the remainder of the ruling.

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