The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on seven counts of terrorism-related offences, sentencing him to life imprisonment. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, November 20.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the offences for which Kanu was found guilty:
Count One: Broadcasting plans in 2014 and 2015 to secede parts of South-East, South-South, Kogi, and Benue States on Radio Biafra, in violation of Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Two: On April 28, 2015, publicly making false and defamatory statements about President Muhammadu Buhari on Radio Biafra, calling him a paedophile, terrorist, idiot, and embodiment of evil, contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Three: Importing and concealing a Radio transmitter in a shipment of household items to Anambra State in 2015, violating Section 47(2) of the Criminal Code Act.
Count Four: Between 2018 and 2021, claiming membership of IPOB, a proscribed organisation, while broadcasting on Radio Biafra, contrary to Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Count Five: On April 22, 2021, inciting IPOB members to target security personnel and their families through broadcasts on Radio Biafra, in violation of Section 1(2)(h) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act.
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Count Six: On May 16, 2021, broadcasting a threat that “in 2 weeks’ time, what will happen will shake the world, people will die, the whole world will stand still,” in furtherance of terrorism, contrary to Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act.
Count Seven: On May 31, 2021, issuing a deadly threat over his sit-at-home order, causing banks, schools, markets, and fuel stations to remain closed, violating Section 1(2)(b) of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act.
Justice Omotosho found that Kanu failed to present a credible defence and deliberately refused to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.
The court described him as “a person who cannot be allowed to remain in the company of sane minds” and labelled him “an international terrorist.”
Although the Federal Government had requested the death penalty, the judge opted for life imprisonment to show mercy.
Kanu received life sentences for counts one, four, five, and six, 20 years for count three, and five years for count seven, all running concurrently.
The court also ruled that Kanu must be held in protective custody due to his violent tendencies, with restrictions on electronic devices and supervision under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Confiscated items, including the Radio transmitter, are to be forfeited to the Federal Government.