The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism charges brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had presented “credible, compelling, and sufficient evidence” proving that Kanu’s broadcasts, public directives, and sit-at-home orders contributed to acts of violence in parts of the South-East.
The court noted that Kanu declined to enter a defence, choosing instead to rest his case entirely on the prosecution’s evidence, an approach the judge described as a “miscalculation that left the court with no alternative but to convict.”
Justice Omotosho further held that Kanu’s method of pursuing the agitation for a Biafran state, including alleged endorsements of violent enforcement by IPOB members, fell within the scope of terrorism as defined under Nigerian law.
With sentencing now pending, lead prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, including the death sentence prescribed under counts 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
Awomolo argued that Kanu had shown “no remorse” throughout the proceedings and described his conduct in court as “persistently unruly.”
The defence has yet to publicly respond to the conviction, though multiple motions challenging the court’s jurisdiction remain pending before higher courts.
Sentencing is expected to be scheduled in the coming days.
