The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment, convicting the prominent Biafra agitator, Nnamdi Kanu, on charges of terrorism. The ruling, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, finds Kanu guilty of violating sections of the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act 2013, an offence that carries the maximum penalty of death.
The Charges and The Evidence
In a decisive ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The conviction is based on a series of broadcasts made by Kanu, which the court determined threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria and actively promoted the secession of the South-East region to form the Biafra nation.
The judge highlighted specific instances of Kanu's inflammatory rhetoric. In an interview with Sahara Television, Kanu was quoted as saying that Somalia would be a paradise compared to Nigeria if Biafra was not granted. He also referred to Nigeria as a 'zoo' and declared that 'nothing would be living' in it by the time he executed his secession plans. Furthermore, he asserted that the only language understood in 'the zoo' was violence and promised to deliver it.
Incitement to Violence and IPOB Links
Justice Omotosho's judgment detailed how Kanu, identifying himself as the founder and Director of Radio and Television of Biafra, made broadcasts calling for the death of the Nigerian Army and the perishing of everything called Nigeria in Biafra.
The court also found that Kanu incited his followers to violence, which led to the killing of security personnel and the destruction of properties, including police stations across the country. The judge affirmed that the prosecution led credible evidence establishing that Kanu belonged to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
No Defence and The Final Ruling
Compounding his legal troubles, the court noted that Kanu bluntly refused to enter a defence against the charges brought against him. Justice Omotosho held that the convict was fully aware of the reckless and violent nature of his statements during his numerous broadcasts.
The conviction specifically relates to counts three, four, and five of the seven-count charge prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS). Justice Omotosho reiterated that a person found in violation of the terrorism act is liable to the maximum sentence of death. The case has drawn significant national attention, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding separatist movements in Nigeria.
