Abuja — Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has convicted Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on a terrorism charge after ruling that he forfeited his right to present a defence.
During the judgment, the court held that the prosecution’s case remained "uncontested" due to Kanu’s refusal to properly defend himself in court. Justice Omotosho stated that Kanu had been removed from the courtroom earlier in the day for “repeatedly disruptive behaviour.
On count one, Kanu was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt. In addition, he was convicted on count two, where the judge ruled that Kanu’s imposition of a “sit-at-home” order in Southeast Nigeria amounted to a terrorist act under Section 16 of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013 — a conviction that could carry life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
Justice Omotosho strongly condemned Kanu’s broadcasts, calling them “barbaric … aimed at causing anarchy. He added that Kanu had “turned himself into a tyrant” capable of inciting violence and declared that such behaviour cannot be tolerated in a lawful society.
Notably, the judgment was delivered in Kanu’s absence. According to the judge, Kanu’s repeated disruptions, refusal to heed the court’s orders, and failure to open his defence justified continuing without him.
Earlier in the day, the court also rejected Kanu’s bid for bail.
— Dalena Reporters