The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on counts one and two of the terrorism charges brought against him, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice James Omotosho held that Kanu’s declaration of a “sit-at-home” order across the Southeast—issued with threats and allegedly enforced through violence—constituted a terrorist act under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment or death.
The court stressed that Kanu had no constitutional authority to restrict citizens’ movement, noting that only the President can impose such restrictions under emergency powers. Evidence presented by prosecution witnesses detailed how the sit-at-home directive emptied communities for years and was linked to violent enforcement, including the killing of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak by suspected ESN operatives.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu presented no evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims, effectively admitting them. He was therefore convicted on both counts.
Earlier in the day, the court ordered Kanu’s removal from the courtroom due to persistent unruly behaviour. His protests erupted after the court dismissed his latest bail application, with Kanu openly challenging the judge and insisting on his right to present a final written address.
Despite the outburst, the court proceeded with judgment in his absence, declaring that the defence had already filed its final address and that further delays were unjustified.
Sentencing is expected to follow, and the court affirmed that the prescribed punishment for the offences is either life imprisonment or death.
Meanwhile, Kanu has filed a fresh appeal seeking to halt the judgment and to challenge the validity of the terrorism charges, arguing that the repealed Terrorism Prevention Act renders the charges unlawful. The Court of Appeal has yet to fix a hearing date.