The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on seven counts of terrorism.
The ruling followed his issuance of “sit-at-home” orders that caused widespread closures of banks, schools, and other businesses across the Southeast, particularly on Mondays.
Justice James Omotosho described Kanu’s actions as acts of terrorism against Nigeria, forming part of his ongoing trial for alleged treasonable felony and terrorism initiated by the Federal Government.
BusinessDay reports that earlier in the proceedings, Justice Omotosho dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, ruling that the Department of State Services (DSS) had provided sufficient prima facie evidence, which required a response from Kanu.
Despite multiple adjournments, Kanu chose not to present a defence, prompting the court to rely entirely on prosecution evidence and supporting affidavits.
The Federal Government accused Kanu of issuing threats through broadcasts, warning that anyone defying the sit-at-home orders would face consequences, thereby inciting insurrection.
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According to the prosecution, his directives led to the widespread closure of banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, and petrol stations in the Southeast. Kanu had denied the allegations in the original 2015 case, but the trial resumed in 2025 under Justice Omotosho.
The court noted that terrorism includes acts or threats of violence intended to create fear, particularly among innocent people.
Justice Omotosho cited broadcasts in which Kanu allegedly threatened the Federal Government, Nigerians, and even members of his own community, referring to Nigeria as a “zoo” and repeatedly describing the Southeast as “Biafra”.
The court concluded that Kanu acted with full awareness of his conduct and deliberately refused to provide evidence to counter the prosecution’s case.
Kanu was convicted for terrorism, for issuing sit-at-home orders that disrupted economic and educational activities, and for leading a proscribed organisation.
He was also found guilty of encouraging attacks on security personnel and government property, urging followers to develop weapons, and committing crimes against the state through Radio Biafra, including threats to a British High Commission official and illegally importing radio transmission equipment.
Justice Omotosho condemned his behaviour as “evil”, emphasising that such conduct has no place in society.
More details later…
