The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on the first of the seven terrorism-related charges filed against him by the federal government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully proved its case on the initial count, relying heavily on video recordings and media interviews in which Kanu was seen issuing threats deemed capable of instigating violence against Nigeria and its citizens.
The court noted that the evidence presented established “clear intent and encouragement of acts of terrorism,” stressing that freedom of speech does not extend to issuing threats that endanger national security.
READ ALSO: VIDEO: You Don’t Know the Law — Nnamdi Kanu Tells Justice Omotosho
Kanu, who listened quietly as the judgment was delivered, will have his fate on the remaining charges determined as the trial continues. His legal team has already indicated it will challenge the ruling at the appellate court.
The conviction marks a major turning point in the long-running legal battle between the IPOB leader and the Nigerian state, setting the stage for heightened political and regional reactions in the days ahead.