A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on three of the seven terrorism charges filed against him by the federal government.
The ruling came on Thursday, Nov. 20, after a tense day in court.
Presiding Judge James Omotosho said the prosecution proved its case using video evidence in which Kanu issued violent threats against Nigeria and its citizens. He found Kanu guilty on counts one, two, and three, saying the threats and sit-at-home declarations “constitute acts of terrorism.”
The proceedings earlier turned dramatic when Kanu became visibly agitated and confronted the judge.
He insisted the trial could not continue because he had not filed his final written address. “You don’t know the law,” he shouted. “Show me where it says you can waive the right to a final address.”
Kanu also argued that parts of the charges were invalid, particularly count seven.
“Which law states that you can charge me on a repealed law? Show me,” he said, adding that “any judgment declared in this court is complete rubbish.”
He told the court he had filed several motions ahead of the judgment, including one directing the prosecution to submit its final written address, another asking the Court of Appeal to consider constitutional issues, and a third seeking his release on bail.
Justice Omotosho ordered security operatives to remove Kanu from the courtroom after the outburst and proceeded with the judgment in the decade-long case.
More details are expected as the court concludes the ruling.
