The Federal Excessive Courtroom in Abuja on Thursday has convicted the chief of the proscribed Indigenous Individuals of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for issuing “sit-at-home” orders that led to the closure of banks, colleges, and {economic} actions throughout the Southeast, significantly on Mondays.
The court docket described the actions as “terrorist acts in opposition to Nigeria.”
Justice James Omotosho delivered the conviction whereas studying his judgment in Kanu’s ongoing trial on alleged treasonable felony and terrorism fees introduced by the Federal Authorities.
Recall that Justice Omotosho had earlier dismissed Kanu’s no-case submission, ruling that prima facie (at first sight) proof had been sufficiently supplied by the Division of State Providers (DSS), requiring “some clarification” from Kanu. Nonetheless, Kanu refused to enter a defence and was finally foreclosed after a number of adjournments.
The Federal Authorities accused Kanu of issuing threats by way of broadcasts throughout Nigeria, warning that anybody who flouted the sit-at-home order within the Southeast would face penalties, allegedly inciting riot in opposition to the state.
The prosecution additional claimed that, because of Kanu’s directives, banks, colleges, markets, procuring malls, and petrol stations within the Southeast remained principally closed on Mondays. Kanu denied the allegations within the authentic 2015 case, paving the best way for trial; nonetheless, the case commenced afresh earlier than Justice Omotosho in 2025.
Justice Omotosho held that since Kanu’s defence had been foreclosed, the court docket would rely solely on the prosecution’s proof and several other affidavits positioned earlier than the court docket.
The decide acknowledged that anybody concerned in acts of terrorism is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment.
He described terrorism as actions or threats of violence that create concern, particularly when harmless persons are focused.
He famous that, in a number of broadcasts—together with an interview with Sahara TV—Kanu threatened hurt in opposition to the Federal Authorities and Nigerians, together with members of his “personal individuals.”
The decide quoted Kanu describing Nigeria as a “zoo” and referring to the Southeast as “Biafra.” He added that Kanu was absolutely conscious of his actions, which could possibly be inferred from his conduct.
“It’s clear that Kanu dedicated acts regarding terrorism and failed, and intentionally refused, to supply proof,” the decide acknowledged whereas convicting him on Depend 1, which borders on terrorism.
For Depend 2, regarding the sit-at-home directive that shut down banks and colleges, the decide cited prosecution proof displaying that Kanu, on Might 30, 2021, threatened to close down the Southeast, together with {economic} and academic sectors.
The court docket held that each Nigerian citizen is entitled to non-public liberty and freedom of motion, noting that the individuals of the Southeast can’t be compelled to sit down at residence by Kanu, who holds no constitutional authority.
“The defendant, Kanu, shouldn’t be the President of Nigeria and due to this fact lacked the facility to impose sit-at-home orders on any a part of the nation. The act shouldn’t be solely unconstitutional however quantities to terrorist exercise,” the decide dominated, convicting him on Depend 2.
On Depend 3, which pertains to Kanu’s management of IPOB, the decide convicted him for main a proscribed group.
On Counts 4 and 5, which contain incitement of individuals to commit acts of terrorism in opposition to the state—offences liable to a demise sentence—the decide agreed with the prosecution that Kanu inspired assaults on safety brokers, establishments, and authorities property, citing situations the place he allegedly known as for the burning of Murtala Muhammed Airport and different amenities.
The court docket condemned Kanu’s conduct describing it as “evil” , highlighting that an such a person doesn’t need to stay inside the society
He additionally convicted Kanu for inciting anarchy in opposition to Nigeria.
Passing his sentence in opposition to Kanu, the decide sentenced him to life imprisonment following his conviction for terrorism.
Kanu was additionally sentenced to 20 years jail time period for Depend 2.
The decide additionally dominated that Kanu should be saved in a “protecting custody facility” in any a part of Nigeria.
Omotosho additionally dominated that Kanu should not entry any digital machine besides beneath the supervision of the workplace of the National Security Adviser.
