Kanu convicted on all seven counts of terrorism, sentencing to follow

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on all the seven terrorism charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, the Presiding Judge, James Omotosho cited prosecution evidence as the basis for the conviction.

The court found Kanu guilty of all seven counts of making a series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings, in furtherance of his separatist agitation for Biafra, in furtherance of his separatist agitation for Biafra, belonging to proscribed association, incitement and unlawful provocation.

The court held that the threats of violence and killings, including the declaration of sit-at-home in the South East states, in his many broadcasts, constitute acts of terrorism.

The court also held that the IPOB leader was not denied a fair hearing as claimed by him.

According to the judge, Kanu’s repeated threats of violence and killings, including his directives enforcing sit-at-home orders across the South-East in various broadcasts, amounted to acts of terrorism under the law.

“The defendant enforced the order of Sit-at-Home in the South East. Saying there will be a complete shutdown of Biafraland. Saying I know some of you are foolish, trying to open your shop around 12 noon. If you do that, we will burn you in that shop.”

Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s orders were unconstitutional.

The Court also held that Kanu, who said he is the founder and Director of Radio and Television of Biafra, made a broadcast to the effect that the Army of Nigeria will die and that everything called Nigeria will perish in Biafra.

Sentencing by the judge has been scheduled for 3.50pm.