The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on all seven counts of terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government, in what has become one of the most dramatic and consequential trials in Nigeriaโs recent history.
Justice James Omotoso, who has presided over the case marked by years of legal battles, disruptions, and high public interest, is now set to deliver Kanuโs sentence as the proceedings reach their climax.
Kanuโs journey to this moment began years ago when he was first arrested in 2015 on allegations of treasonable felony and terrorism. His trial became complicated in 2017 after he fled the country while on bail, following a military raid at his residence during โOperation Python Danceโ in the South-East.
His re-arrest in 2021 in Kenyaโunder circumstances his legal team described as an extraordinary renditionโreset the legal clock. The charges against him were expanded to 15 counts, including terrorism, incitement, and threats to national security. His defence consistently challenged the competence of the trial, citing violations of extradition procedures and jurisdictional issues.
Representing the Federal Government was Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, while Kanu opted to represent himself. The court session was tense from the onset.
As proceedings began, Kanu repeatedly interjected, insisting that there could be no judgment because he had filed multiple motions, including one challenging the validity of the charges and another insisting he had a constitutional right to file a final written address. He argued that he had entered his defence and only declined to call witnesses, but the judge held otherwise.
The courtroom grew increasingly chaotic as Kanu refused to comply with directives, at one point declining to surrender the microphone to security operatives. His confrontations with both the judge and the DSS prompted Justice Omotoso to order that he be taken out after repeated warnings about courtroom decorum. The judge then ruled that the judgment would proceed in his absence, stressing that no defendant is above the law and that the sanctity of the court must be preserved.
As the judgment progressed, Justice Omotoso ruled on the motions Kanu referenced, noting that hearing in the substantive matter had long been concluded. He observed that Kanu had, by his own choice, rested his case on the prosecution after refusing to call any witness. The judge emphasised that he had repeatedly urged Kanu to enter his defence properly, describing the defendantโs stance as a risky gamble.
Turning to the charges, Justice Omotoso delivered a sweeping conviction across all seven counts. He found that Kanuโs broadcasts, threats of violence, and the enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders amounted to clear acts of terrorism.
The court held that the defendant used terror as a tool in pursuit of secession and that his actions not only endangered the Nigerian state but also targeted his own people. The judge further held that Kanuโs threats extended beyond Nigeria, citing evidence that he ordered an attack on the American Embassy and issued threats to bomb the British High Commission and harm the former British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing. These findings led the court to classify Kanu as an โinternational terrorist.โ
Justice Omotoso rejected the defence argument that Kanuโs advocacy for self-determination insulated him from criminal liability, noting that the right to self-determination is a political right and cannot be pursued through violence or terrorism. Evidence presented by the prosecution established that Kanu was not only a member of IPOB but its leader, despite its status as a proscribed organisation.
With the conviction now fully delivered, the court is preparing to pronounce sentence. The atmosphere around the court is tense as legal teams, security operatives, and observers await the final outcome of a trial that has spanned years, stirred public debate, and tested the limits of the legal system.
Spear News is monitoring developments and will provide updates as the judge prepares to announce the sentence.
Discussion about this post