FHC Abuja Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on Multiple Terrorism Charges as Judgment Continues

By, IIA

The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered several key rulings in the ongoing terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), securing convictions on multiple counts while judgment on the remaining charges is still being read.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Kanu guilty on two initial counts relating to terrorism, holding that his repeated sit-at-home directives and violent threats—issued through various broadcasts—constituted acts of terrorism under Nigerian law.

As the court progressed in its judgment, it also ruled on three further charges. Justice Omotosho convicted Kanu for belonging to a proscribed organisation and for inciting violence among his followers. The judge noted that evidence presented by the prosecution established that Kanu continued to identify with IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), despite their proscription by the federal government.

The court also held that Kanu’s broadcasts were shown to have encouraged attacks which led to the killing of security personnel and destruction of public assets, including several police stations.

Meanwhile, the proceedings took a dramatic turn when Kanu was removed from the courtroom after a heated exchange with the trial judge. According to The Guardian, Justice Omotosho ordered his removal after Kanu raised his voice, accused the court of bias, and insisted that judgment could not proceed because he had not filed a final written address. The judge maintained that the defence’s last-minute applications lacked merit, noting that the matter had already been reserved for judgment.

Following the disruption, Justice Omotosho directed security operatives to take Kanu out of the courtroom and proceeded to read the judgment in his absence.

The court is expected to rule on the remaining counts as the judgment continues.