The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has been handed a life sentence by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The court found him guilty on all seven terrorism charges that the Federal Government had filed against him.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, four years after Kanu’s controversial arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.
Kanu, who had repeatedly challenged the proceedings, was absent when the verdict was handed down, having earlier insisted that the court lacked the authority to conclude the matter.
His refusal to cooperate reportedly led to a brief commotion in the courtroom, prompting the presiding judge to order security operatives to remove him for what was described as unruly conduct.
In the judgment, Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s numerous broadcasts on Radio Biafra amounted to acts of terrorism, noting that the IPOB leader’s rhetoric promoted violence and instigated attacks on security personnel.
The court ruled that his sit-at-home directive in South-East states also constituted terrorism, as it infringed on citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of movement.
According to the judge, evidence presented during trial showed that Kanu issued orders encouraging the killing of police and military officers, actions the court described as preparatory terrorism directed at the Nigerian state.
Justice Omotosho said the prosecution successfully established all allegations against the defendant, despite Kanu’s plea of not guilty to the charges.
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