Court Convicts Nnamdi Kanu on All Seven Charges, Prosecution Seeks Death Sentence

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday delivered a verdict convicting Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on all seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

“The prosecution has successfully established the seven charges against the defendant (Kanu) beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, he was convicted on all seven counts,” Justice Omotosho declared while delivering his ruling.

The judge read through each count, beginning with Counts 1 and 2, which he described as acts in furtherance of terrorism. He concluded that Kanu was guilty of inciting violence during the #EndSARS protests, which the court said led to the killing of security personnel and destruction of government properties in Lagos.

Justice Omotosho held that Kanu’s radio broadcasts contained threats to Nigerians, including those he claimed to represent, and that these broadcasts allegedly contributed to violence.

According to the court, Kanu’s repeated statements were “deliberate,” with the judge asserting that he “believes in violence.” The court further held that the sit-at-home orders linked to the defendant contributed to the killing of former presidential aide Ahmed Gulak.

The prosecution, led by Chief Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty.

“The only sentence that the lordship will enforce for counts 1 to 6 for (Nnamdi Kanu) is the death sentence,” Awomolo submitted, calling on the court to mete out the harshest punishment available under the law.

With all charges resolved against Kanu, the court will reconvene at 4 p.m. to deliver the final sentence, as palpable tension lingers both inside and outside the courtroom.