The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first three counts of terrorism charges filed by the Federal Government, Vanguard reports.
The judgement, delivered on Thursday, marks a major turning point in the long-running case, which has spanned several years and drawn national and international attention.
According to the Vanguard, Justice James Omotosho accepted the prosecution’s claims that Kanu used a broadcast to issue violent threats against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The judge described the offense as “an act of terrorism against the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a broadcast threatening mass casualties and global disruption.”
Justice Omotosho concluded that the evidence convincingly showed Kanu incited actions likely to instill fear in the public.
In his remarks, the judge stated, “Kanu was fully aware of his actions and was determined to execute these threats, disregarding the impact on his own people.”
He further noted that the prosecution’s uncontested evidence indicated Kanu’s instructions constituted preparatory steps toward terrorism.
The court added, “He was expected to defend his actions but chose not to.”
At exactly 1:02 pm, Justice Omotosho highlighted that the evidence presented confirmed Kanu’s role in initiating the controversial sit-at-home order in the South-East.
He stressed that the directive, which led to economic disruption and widespread anxiety in the region, supported the prosecution’s argument that Kanu promoted terrorist activities.
Count Two accuses Kanu of issuing a lethal warning that violators of his sit-at-home order would face death.
Count Three alleges that he openly identified as a member and leader of IPOB. View, More,
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