Dare Babalola
The Federal High Court in Abuja has found Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), guilty on all seven counts of terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
James Omotosho, presiding judge, held that the prosecution was able to prove all the allegations against the defendant since he failed and “deliberately refused” to counter the evidence of the prosecution.
He ruled, “The fear of violence and death have prevented these people from going about their legitimate businesses.
“Are these acts of the defendants consistent with the agitation for self determination? The answer is in the negative. Once again, the defendant was not elected by anybody. Also, cannot dictate for the people of southeast, especially through intimidation and threat of violence. He is a terrorist. He must be treated as such.
“In final analysis, the prosecution has successfully established the seven count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is convicted on all the seven counts.”
Count 1: Threatening violence: Kanu made a broadcast threatening that people would die and the world would stand still, which the court deemed an act of terrorism.
Count 2-3: Inciting violence: Kanu’s broadcasts were intended to incite violence and promote killings, furthering his separatist agenda for Biafra.
Count 4-5: Inciting #EndSARS protests: Kanu encouraged the #EndSARS protests to become violent, leading to killings and destruction of property.
Count 6: Ordering sit-at-home directive: Kanu directed IPOB members to enforce a sit-at-home order in the South-East, leading to widespread shutdown of commercial activities.
Count 7: Belonging to a terrorist organization: Kanu was accused of establishing the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which carried out targeted killings and enforced IPOB-imposed restrictions.
