Amanze Chinonye
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment, ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient, credible evidence showing that Kanu’s broadcasts and directives to IPOB members incited violent attacks on security personnel and civilians across the southeast. He held that Kanu’s actions formed part of a broader push for secession and the creation of an independent Biafra state.
The court noted that Kanu elected not to open a defence, choosing instead to rest his case on the arguments and evidence supplied by the prosecution. Justice Omotosho said the court was therefore left with “no option” but to rely on the prosecution’s evidence, which he found compelling.
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Kanu, who founded IPOB, has long advocated for the re-establishment of Biafra a region whose attempt at secession between 1967 and 1970 triggered a civil war in which more than one million people were killed.
IPOB has since been banned by the Nigerian government and designated a terrorist organisation, a label the group denies.
“The right to self-determination is a political right. Any self-determination not done according to the constitution of Nigeria is illegal,” the judge said while affirming the basis of the conviction.
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled the country after being granted bail. He was re-arrested in 2021 and returned to Nigeria from Kenya to face trial. His conviction marks a major turn in a case that has drawn national and international attention.
Justice Omotosho was still reading the full judgment at the time of filing this report, and sentencing is expected to follow.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
