The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment, finding Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), guilty on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho presided over the case and announced the verdict on Thursday, November 20, 2025, concluding that Kanu was responsible for multiple acts of terrorism, including leading a banned organization and inciting violence against security personnel.
Detailed Breakdown of the Seven Charges
The court found Kanu guilty on all seven counts, which spanned several years and involved activities both within Nigeria and from his base in London, United Kingdom.
Count One: The prosecution proved that between 2014 and 2015, Kanu broadcasted on Radio Biafra from London, advocating for the secession of South-East, South-South states, and parts of Kogi and Benue States to form the Republic of Biafra.
Count Two: In April 2015, Kanu was found guilty of making defamatory statements against former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him with inflammatory language that the court determined was knowingly false.
Count Three: The IPOB leader was convicted for illegally importing a radio transmitter (TRAM 50L) into Nigeria between March and April 2015, concealed among household items declared as used goods.
Additional Terrorism Offences
Count Four: Justice Omotosho ruled that Kanu committed an offense by professing membership in IPOB, an organization officially proscribed in Nigeria, between 2018 and 2021.
Count Five: In April 2021, Kanu was found guilty of inciting his followers to target security personnel and their family members through Radio Biafra broadcasts.
Count Six: The court determined that in May 2021, Kanu made threatening broadcasts predicting events that would "shake the world" and cause deaths, which constituted acts in furtherance of terrorism.
Count Seven: Kanu was convicted for issuing deadly threats through his sit-at-home orders in May 2021, warning that anyone who disobeyed should "write his/her will," resulting in widespread economic disruption.
Sentencing and Public Reaction
Following the guilty verdict, Justice Omotosho sentenced Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment on Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6, all related to terrorism offenses. The court additionally imposed 20 years imprisonment on Count 3 and 5 years imprisonment on Count 7, with no option for fines.
The judgment has sparked significant reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing diverse opinions about the court's decision. The case represents one of the most high-profile terrorism-related prosecutions in recent Nigerian judicial history.
Legal experts anticipate that Kanu's legal team may appeal the judgment, though no official statement has been released regarding future legal actions at this time.
