A federal high court in Abuja has found Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), guilty on one count of terrorism, following years of legal battles between the separatist leader and the Nigerian government.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, stating that evidence presented by prosecutors including video recordings and public broadcasts showed that Kanu issued threats capable of intimidating the population and inciting violence.
The charge, filed under the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act of 2015, relates to a September 2021 broadcast in which Kanu allegedly warned that “people would die” and that the “world would stand still.” Prosecutors argued that the comments were not mere political rhetoric but statements intended to provoke unrest.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho said the videos tendered in court demonstrated “a clear intention to use violence as a tool,” adding that the threats had been followed by violent acts carried out by some IPOB supporters.
“He was consumed by violence and showed no concern even if his own people were affected,” the judge said. “The defendant engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism.”
The court noted that Kanu declined repeated opportunities to clarify the context of his statements.
With the conviction secured on the first count, the judge continued delivering the verdict on the remaining six charges at the time of filing this report.
Kanu has long been a controversial figure, leading a movement seeking an independent state of Biafra a campaign that has put him at odds with Nigerian authorities. His trial has drawn national and international attention, with supporters insisting he is being persecuted for political reasons, while critics accuse IPOB of contributing to rising insecurity in parts of the southeast.
Further updates are expected as the court concludes its ruling on the additional charges.