The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had proven all seven counts against Kanu beyond reasonable doubt.
On the first count, the judge noted that Kanu failed to address the allegations relating to his broadcasts and deliberately chose not to present a defence.
Justice Omotosho said prosecution evidence clearly demonstrated that Kanu issued the sit-at-home orders that paralyzed activities across the South-East.
He further held that Kanu committed an act of terrorism by making broadcasts in which he threatened that people would die and the world would “come to a standstill.”
According to the court, Kanu acted with full awareness of the consequences of his threats and showed disregard for the safety and lives of his own people.
“From the uncontroverted evidence presented, it is evident that the defendant engaged in preparatory acts of terrorism,” Omotosho declared. “He had a duty to explain himself, yet he failed to do so.”
