Federal High Court in Abuja delivered a major ruling today as the court convicts Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges. The court convicts him after concluding that his broadcasts allegedly incited violence and threatened national security.
Prosecutors argued that his messages caused fear and encouraged unlawful activities in parts of southeastern Nigeria. Moreover, the court stated that his actions posed a threat to both public order and government stability. The ruling followed several hearings where prosecutors presented video clips and witness testimonies as evidence.
However, Kanu did not open his defence, prompting the court to foreclose his case before judgment. Importantly, Justice Omotosho noted that uncontested facts in court amounted to admission of guilt.
Legal experts immediately raised concerns, though, arguing that Nigeria repealed the Terrorism Prevention Act, under which Kanu stood trial. Indeed, his team had filed a motion earlier asserting that the law no longer applied.
Nonetheless, the court confirmed his conviction today, saying he endangered public peace through his broadcasts. The presiding judge stated that Kanu’s “sit-at-home” threats and his IPOB leadership justified the terrorism conviction.
Meanwhile, Kanu’s supporters condemned the verdict as politically motivated, while others hailed it as a victory for national security. The court noted that he faces either life imprisonment or death under terrorism law if sentenced.
Authorities emphasized that the court convicts based on evidence and not political pressure. They insisted that the judgment followed due legal process. Furthermore, observers stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving national security issues peacefully.
The court will decide his sentencing date in a later session. Nigerians continue to react as the case remains one of the most controversial trials in recent years.
